Tocotrienol

Tocotrienol

• The Vitamin E family is comprised of four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). Tocotrienols has been used for high cholesterol, sears, familial dysautonomia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is also being looked at as a potential anti-osteoporotic agent in order to treat osteoporosis as well as a supplement to protect against metabolic disease.

Mechanism of Action:

• Tocotrienol is potent antioxidant. It works to scavenge free radicals and pre-vents oxidative damage on osteoblasts. This in term promotes the survival of osteoblasts.

Dosage:

• More research needs to be performed to ascertain the appropriate dosing requirements based on the user's health, age, and medical conditions. This supplement has been safely used at a dose of up to 200 mg daily for 5 years.

Evidence:

• Current studies are examining the potential of using tocotrienol to protect against metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell-signaling altering effects it is being used to complement current treatment modalities for diabetes and obesity. More studies need to be conducted in order to examine its usefulness in this scenario. It has been shown to be possibly ineffective for treating high cholesterol issues. There is insufficient evidence currently to examine its usefulness in treating scars, familial dysautonomia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Precautions:

• Current breast feeding and pregnancy studies have not been completed, so tocotrienol should be avoided in these scenarios. Diabetic patients should monitor their sugar levels closely if taking tocotrienol.

Interactions:

• Tocotrienol may slow blood clotting, so it should be avoided with medications that also slow down blood clotting because that can lead to bruising and bleeding.