Delta-Tocotrienol May Help Support Liver Health

There are 4 different forms of tocotrienols, chemicals found in vitamin E that target specific free radicals and sources of inflammation. According to a new study, delta-tocotrienol may help improve biomarkers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) better than alpha-tocotrienol.

For the study, 100 adults with NAFLD were assigned to receive 620 mg of delta-tocotrienol or 536 mg of alpha-tocotrienol daily for 48 weeks. Changes in fatty liver index, levels of fat in the liver, inflammation, and oxidative stress were evaluated at baseline, week 24, and week 48.

Participants in both groups saw improvements in fatty liver index, levels of fat in the liver, and insulin resistance. However, participants in the delta-tocotrienol group saw greater improvements in markers of inflammation and reductions in apoptosis. Increased apoptosis is associated with worsening NAFLD.

The study was conducted by researchers from the National University of Medical Sciences. It was published online ahead of print on August 3, 2002 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.