PhytoGaia’s “super vitamin E” supplement shows potential for mitigating diabetes and oxidative stress

04 Aug 2023 --- Malaysia-based PhytoGaia has presented a meta-analysis linking palm tocotrienols/tocopherol complex (Palm TRF) supplementation to a significant reduction in HbA1c, which might be helpful for those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) as it may prevent cardiac mortality and micro- and macrovascular problems.

Tocotrienols are a more powerful form of vitamin E than tocopherol – the regular type of vitamin E. The company says that there are already several studies evidencing the effect of tocopherol on inflammation and oxidative stress.

“Lowering HbA1c levels through tocotrienol supplementation suggests that these compounds may help regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Maintaining good glycemic control is critical to prevent diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, nerve problems and eye issues,” Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist at PhytoGaia, tells Nutrition Insight.

“Tocotrienols could serve as a complementary therapy alongside conventional diabetes medications and lifestyle modifications. While not a replacement for standard treatment, adding tocotrienols to the diabetes management plan may offer additional benefits and enhance overall glycemic control.”

Carried out by researchers from Monash University Malaysia, the company claims it is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of palm TRF supplementation’s effects on HbA1c, blood pressure and Hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.

Aris explains the higher the amount of fat in a meal, the higher absorption of vitamin E compounds occurs.Tocopherols vs. Tocotrienols
Aris explains that the fragmentation of the food matrix may increase the bioavailability of vitamin E isoforms and their transfer to micelles. 

“The higher the amount of fat in a meal, the higher absorption of vitamin E compounds occurs. In the gastrointestinal tract, tocopherols and tocotrienols are absorbed similarly, but their absorption depends on adequate pancreatic function, bile secretion and the formation of micelles.”

When comparing the two types, Aris says that the absorption of tocopherols and tocotrienols in the intestine varies from 20% to 80% of the total ingested amount and is lower than the other fat-soluble vitamins.

“The concentration of tocopherols and tocotrienols in the plasma is influenced by their content in a diet, absorption and metabolism. Some of these factors may be modulated by emerging genetic changes in the genes, which encode proteins responsible for the above factors.”

Bryan See, vice president of PhytoGaia, says tocotrienols are also known as “the super vitamin E” because of their high amount of antioxidants with many cardiometabolic health benefits. 

“They contribute to improving our overall health and well-being. TocoGaiaTM – a full spectrum of tocotrienols/tocopherol complex naturally extracted from palm fruits – could serve as an additional solution that may help patients with T2DM,” See underscores.

“TocoGaia is available in various forms – oil extract, bio-enhanced suspension, powder and beadlets – for a variety of delivery dosages, softgels, licaps, hard-capsule, gummies, powdered beverages, topical cosmetic creams and ready-to-drink products,” says Aris. 

“This makes it suited for dietary supplements, beauty and cosmetic products and functional foods and beverages, as well as pharmaceutical formulations.”

Diabetes and oxidative stressPhytoGaia says nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy are among the many consequences of T2DM.
The company notes nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy are among the many consequences of T2DM that are often present upon diagnosis or develop during the disease.

Because hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia increase the production of reactive oxygen species, the relationship between oxidative stress and T2DM is “well-known.” 

Aris notes that diabetes is a growing public health burden affecting certain groups more than others.

“The elderly are more prone to the risk of having severe diabetic complications. One of the major complications of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Clinical studies have reported that the supplementation of palm tocotrienol complex could help reduce serum creatinine level, potentially averting the progression of renal impairment among diabetic nephropathy patients.”

He adds that daily doses of palm tocotrienols can reduce severe pain (lancinating pain) in diabetic neuropathy patients.

“The clinical study also reported that serum nerve growth factor (NGF) is significantly elevated among the participants on palm tocotrienols supplementation. The higher serum NGF may lead to the reversal of neuronal injuries and the restoration of nerve function, thus improving peripheral nerve conduction velocities.”

“Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease and growing epidemic. T2DM has significant economic, social and health burdens for the individual and their families, careers and the healthcare system,” says Aris.

“Nowadays, it is commonly acknowledged that comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. This review provided insight into the potential value of Palm TRF in developing effective dietary supplements for people with T2DM, especially in reducing HbA1c,” he concludes.

By Beatrice Wihlander