Mixed tocotrienols support LDL cholesterol metabolism, study shows
Highlights
- Randomized, open-label study (n= 44 men and women)
- Mixed tocotrienols support LDL cholesterol metabolism
- No significant changes in HDL cholesterol
- Dosage is 50 mg, once daily for 4 weeks
Summary
This randomized, open-label study was designed to examine the effect of mixed tocotrienols on blood lipids in patients at risk of heart disease.
For this study, researchers followed 44 patients (25 men, 19 women) with mild hypercholesterolemia and one additional cardiovascular risk factor. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups for 4 weeks. One group (n=28) was given mixed tocotrienols (50 mg, once daily). The other group (n=16) was given alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) (500 mg, once daily, or 1,000 mg, alternate days). Fasting lipids were compared at baseline and after 4 weeks therapy.
After 4 weeks, the tocotrienols group had a significant (P<.05) reduction in total blood cholesterol level of 25 mg/dl (from 236 to 211 mg/dl, on average) and a significant (P<.05) reduction in LDL cholesterol level of 23 mg/dl (147 to 124 mg/dl). No significant changes occurred in the alpha-tocopherol group. There were no significant changes in HDL cholesterol or triglycerides in either group.
These preliminary findings suggest that mixed tocotrienols may have clinical value in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia.
