Tocomin SupraBio® lowers cholesterol

Supplementation of 300 mg/d of a bioenhanced palm mixed tocotrienol complex (as Tocomin SupraBio® from Carotech Inc.) for six months resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations in humans with high cholesterol levels, according to a new study published in Functional Foods in Health and Disease (2011:(3)106-117).

In a double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group design study, lead researcher professor KH Yuen at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia and his team recruited 32 healthy individuals with high blood lipids (baseline serum cholesterol6.2 mmol/L; LDL cholesterol4.0 mmol/L and triglycerides3.8 mmol/L) and randomly assigned them to two groups: mixed tocotrienols (Tocomin SupraBio®) or placebo for six months. Fasting blood lipids and vitamin E (tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol) data were collected and analyzed at baseline and every four weeks after beginning of supplementation.

By the fourth month of the study, subjects in the Tocomin SupraBio® group had a significant reduction in total as well as LDL-cholesterol levels. Continuous significant reduction was seen on fifth and sixth month of supplementation in total cholesterol (8.9% ±0.9% and 10.8 ± 1.3% respectively); and LDL cholesterol levels (12.8% ±2.6% and 17.3% ±1.8% respectively). In contrast, subjects in the placebo group had negligible changes in their total and LDL cholesterol levels compared to baseline regardless of the duration of supplementation.

Throughout the study, the triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol levels in both groups did not change significantly.

These researchers also concluded intake of 300 mg/d mixed tocotrienol complex for at least four months and favorably reduced the ratio of both total cholesterol:HDL and LDL:HDL, which are linked to stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks.

The researchers attributed this significant cholesterol reduction effect of mixed tocotrienols as a result of significant increase of tocotrienol in the subjects blood stream. According to Carotech, the SupraBio® self-emulsifying formulation of palm mixed tocotrienol complex ensures a more consistent and enhanced absorption of individual tocotrienol isomers up to 300%.

Since an increase in tocotrienols blood level brings about significant cholesterol reduction, it is therefore important to ensure consistent and increased absorption of tocotrienol," said WH Leong, vice president, Carotech Inc." The SupraBio® self-emulsifying system is unique and guarantees an average of 250% increase in tocotrienol absorption and hence improves tocotrienol bioavailability for the various positive health effects reported including cholesterol reduction."