Tocomin SupraBio Boosts Immune Response in Human

“Tocomin SupraBio bioenhanced palm tocotrienol complex is effective in enhancing immune function in healthy women”

Oct 25 2010 --- Carotech Inc., the world’s largest GMP-certified palm tocotrienol complex producer, is pleased to share results from a human trial that shows its Tocomin SupraBio bioenhanced palm tocotrienol complex supplementation improves immune response and function in healthy women volunteers post vaccination.

Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, International Medical University and University Putra Malaysia conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial to evaluate potential effects of palm tocotrienol complex during immunization.

A total of 108 healthy non-smoking women aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited for this study. Randomly assigned to 2 groups, volunteers in the supplemented group were given 2 x 200 mg of palm tocotrienol complex and for control group, 2 x 200 mg of soy oil (placebo) capsules per day for 2 months. The palm tocotrienol capsules were manufactured by Hovid Berhad and contain Tocomin SupraBio having 62 mg alpha-tocotrienol, 113 mg gamma-tocotrienol, 26 mg delta-tocotrienol and 92IU of alpha-tocopherol.

Blood samples were taken and analyzed at 0, 28 and 56 days. On Day 28, these volunteers received a single shot of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine after their blood was drawn. Subsequent blood test done at the end of the study period (56 day) revealed that levels of anti-TT antibody, interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 in the supplemented group were significantly elevated post vaccination compared to control. Increased production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 indicates a positive cell-mediated immune response leading to much higher concentration of anti-TT IgG Antibody. At the same time, production of pro-inflammatory marker interleukin (IL)-6 in the supplemented group was significantly suppressed compared to control.

In addition, the researchers also documented significantly increased plasma levels of tocotrienol (T3) isomers in the supplemented group compared with controls on days 28 and 56. The concentration of T3 isomers found in the plasma is alpha-T3 > gamma-T3 > delta-T3. This result once again confirms the previous published observation that alpha-tocotrienol has the highest absolute oral bioavailability, followed by gamma-tocotrienol. Delta-tocotrienol has the lowest bioavailability.

“This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial shows that the bioenhanced palm tocotrienol complex from Tocomin SupraBio is effective in triggering enhanced immune response in healthy human towards tetanus toxoid vaccine. It opens up a new application of Tocomin SupraBio in supporting immune function in healthy individuals,” says Dr. Sharon Ling, Vice President, Scientific Affairs, Carotech Bhd.

“We are exceedingly pleased to know that Tocomin SupraBio supports and improves the immune function. Carotech is the only GMP-certified tocotrienol producer in the world and our Tocomin and Tocomin SupraBio ingredients are produced according to pharmaceutical GMP guidelines and hence our customer are assured of the highest level of quality and purity products,” added WH Leong, Vice President, Carotech Inc.