Tocotrienol from palm may slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease, says new study

Supplementation with a full-spectrum palm tocotrienol complex may slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease in those with type 2 diabetes, a new study published in Nutrients¹ found. Patients with diabetic kidney disease have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events, hospitalization, cognitive dysfunction, and poor quality of life, say the researchers. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 45 patients who have had type 2 diabetes for an average of 18.5 years, and diabetic kidney disease, were assigned to receive either placebo or the tocotrienol complex (400 mg/day) for eight weeks.

More evidence suggests tocotrienols’ benefits for blood sugar management and bones

Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E derived from annatto, have been linked to less bone loss among diabetic rodents in two different studies published this summer.

Moderation is the key when it comes to vitamin E

For thousands of years discovering the secrets to a long life has been a primary goal for most of humanity. But sometimes figuring out if something is a help or a hindrance to longer life is complicated. Such is the case with vitamin E.

Vitamin E in Multivitamins

Considering that upwards of 60% of Americans have insufficient vitamin E levels, its inclusion in multivitamins is important for helping meet the recommended dietary intake of this vital nutrient. The main role of vitamin E in the body is to contribute to antioxidant defenses that help counteract the oxidative stress produced by biological processes. In addition, there are some early indications that vitamin E’s antioxidant qualities can also help reduce the risk of chronic health disorders such as cardiovascular complications, cognitive decline, and diabetes.

Gamma-Tocotrienol Slows Diet-Induced Obesity and Improves Insulin Resistance in Animal Model

Researchers from the University of Florida report that gamma-tocotrienol from red palm oil accumulates in adipose tissues, slowing down high-fat diet-induced obesity and improving insulin sensitivity in mice by inhibiting adipose inflammation.

In the new study, Dr. SK Chung and her team investigated the effects of gamma-tocotrienol on early onset obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance in mice. The mice were randomly assigned to three different diet groups – low fat (LF), high fat (HF) with 60% calories from fat, or HF mixed with 0.05% gamma-tocotrienol, one of eight different compounds that make up natural vitamin E. Measurements of gamma-tocotrienol concentrations in blood and adipose tissue; effects of gamma-tocotrienol on body weight gain, adipose volume, fasting blood glucose, insulin level and various inflammatory biomarkers were recorded.