Researchers at the University of Montreal have determined a derivative of vitamin A holds promise as a potential obesity treatment and may help stave off Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
In a new study of mice — presented this month at a meeting of the Canadian Nutrition Society in Saint John's, Newfoundland — UM researchers reported retinoic acid (RA) has been found to offer protection against obesity-related metabolic and cardiac conditions.
"Blood glucose, insulin resistance [and] body weight … were significantly decreased in treated animals, including abdominal fat, while dietary intake and physical activity were similar for treated or non-treated animals," said lead researcher Daniel-Constantin Manolescu.
"Our research identifies new metabolic effects of retinoids and may lead to anti-obesity and anti-diabetic medicines," said co-researcher Dr. Jean-Louis Chiasson.
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