EDISON, N.J.—A new study found that palm tocotrienol complex is effective in slowing the progression of white matter lesions (WMLs) in humans (Stroke. 2014 Apr 3. [Epub ahead of print]). Brain WMLs are closely related to vascular events of the brain and are indications of fragile brain vascular network and an independent prognostic measure of future stroke risk.

The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the neuroprotective properties of Tocovid SupraBio (Tocomin SupraBio by Carotech Inc.) by measuring white matter changes in the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline, one year and 2 years of supplementation in 121 participants. The volunteers, aged 35 and over with cardiovascular risk and MRI-confirmed WMLs, were randomly given 200mg Tocovid SupraBio softgels or a placebo twice a day for two years.

The  mean WML volume of the placebo group increased and the group that took Tocovid Suprabio remained unchanged after two years of supplementation. This led to the conclusion that mixed tocotrienols slow the progression of white matter lesions.