Citric Acid Fights Diabetic Cataract

TOKYOCitric acid may prevent development of diabetic ketosis, ameliorating complications including cataract development, according to a new study (Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Feb 26;393(1):118-22; DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.01.095). Researchers from Japan Womens University investigated the effect of citric acid on the pathogenesis of diabetic complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of citric acid did not affect blood glucose levels; however, it did delay development of cataracts, inhibited accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and protected against ketosis and albuminuria. Also, by inhibiting ketosis, citric acid helped decrease levels of AGEs in lens proteins.