Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family that have been proven to influence several aspects of health such as neurological conditions and free radical reduction. Over the years, tocotrienols have often been overshadowed by a more commonly known form of vitamin E – tocopherol. Though both forms share some health related aspects, research is finding that tocotrienols might have a greater impact on human health than previously believed. A recent study published in Nutrition & Metabolism (June 2011) reported that 6 months supplementation with tocotrienols was associated with an improvement in plasma cholesterol levels, decrease in advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), and increased vitamin E levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. This study included 62 subjects from two age groups, 35-49 years and 50+ years, who were randomly assigned to receive either the tocotrienols or placebo for the 6 month period. Both HDL cholesterol levels and total plasma HDL to cholesterol levels improved. The reduction in AGEs, which are normally occurring by-products of metabolism and aging that have been associated with the progression of age-related diseases, was correlated to a reduction in oxidative stress and protein damage. Though more research is needed to discover all of the benefits tocotrienols have to offer, this study supports the necessity for that research.
To read more on this study:
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-8-42.pdf