Liver
The liver, the body's largest solid organ, plays a pivotal role in numerous vital functions, including detoxification, blood sugar regulation, blood clotting factor control, bile production, glycogen storage, and plasma protein synthesis. However, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) arises when an abnormal accumulation of fat occurs in the liver, unrelated to alcohol consumption, typically linked to Obesity and Insulin Resistance. If untreated, coupled with Chronic Inflammation, NAFLD can progress to Cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that NAFLD affects 80 to 100 million Americans, constituting a significant national health concern. Treatment options beyond diet and exercise are limited. Vitamin E is among the few supplements recommended by physicians for Fatty Liver Disease. Delta- and Gamma-Tocotrienols are the most effective Vitamin E molecules in alleviating factors associated with this condition. Human clinical studies have demonstrated that Annatto Tocotrienols reduce liver fat and fat-associated liver enzymes while also mitigating inflammation, body weight, and BMI, particularly in overweight NAFLD patients.
References
Nutrients (2023) - Tocotrienol in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Molecular Science (2022) - Hepato-Protective Effects of Delta-Tocotrienol and Alpha-Tocopherol in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Regulation of Circulating MicroRNA Expression
Frontier in Pediatrics (2021) - Possible Hepatoprotective Effect of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Vitamin E in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents
Journal of Functional Foods (2020) - Regulation of inflammatory response and oxidative stress by tocotrienol in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2020) - Delta-tocotrienol supplementation improves biochemical markers of hepatocellular injury and steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology (2018) - Effects of delta-tocotrienol supplementation on liver enzymes, inflammation, oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease