Annatto Tocotrienol May Provide Metabolic Health Support

comes from the achiote tree. A recent study suggests that annatto tocotrienol may help reduce inflammation and body weight in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The researchers enrolled 100 adults with NAFLD to participate in the study. Half were given 300 mg of annatto tocotrienol and half were given 268 mg of alpha-tocopherol twice daily for 48 weeks. Liver health markers, insulin resistance, inflammation, and body weight were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study period.

Participants in the annatto tocotrienol group saw reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference that were 27%, 24%, and 24% greater, respectively, compared to the alpha-tocopherol group. They also saw a reduction in triglycerides that was 28% greater than the reduction in the alpha-tocopherol group.

Participants in the annatto tocotrienol group also saw a 32% greater reduction in the inflammation marker IL-6 and a 21% greater reduction in the inflammation marker TNF-alpha. In addition, they saw reductions in hepatocyte apoptosis, which indicates improved liver health.

The study was conducted by researchers from the National University of Medical Sciences. It was published in the August 2022 edition of the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

A previous study found that a combination supplement may help support liver health.