Tocotrienols Improve Insulin Function & Protect Kidneys

Byron J. Richards, Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Tocotrienols Improve Insulin Function & Protect Kidneys
Diabetics have malfunctioning insulin; the longer their blood sugar remains elevated the more likely they are to experience deteriorating kidneys. Two recent animal studies suggest that tocotrienols are a powerful tool to assist any person with blood sugar concerns.

In the first study various doses of tocotrienols1 were given to diabetic rats for eight weeks. Untreated control rats had significant kidney damage and inflammation. The tocotrienol form of vitamin E was able to dose-dependently prevent the damage – and was superior to plain vitamin E in this study. The authors concluded that "tocotrienol modulates the release of profibrotic cytokines, oxidative stress, ongoing chronic inflammation and apoptosis and thus exerts a marked renoprotective effect." Any diabetic needs kidney support and it appears that tocotrienols are able to help.

In the second study tocotrienols were shown to activate PPAR alpha2, an important gene regulator involved with burning fatty acids for fuel. The researchers showed that regulation of PPAR alpha by tocotrienols also improved blood glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. These are important aspects of metabolism to support optimal blood sugar metabolism.

While tocotrienols made their claim to fame for cardiovascular and nervous system support, their list of benefits keeps growing. They now join a number of other nutrients as tools to assist in the healthy function of blood sugar and insulin, while also supporting kidney health. Tocotrienols are a powerfully versatile nutrient, to say the least.

Referenced Studies

  1. ^ Tocotrienols Support Kidney Health  Life Sci.   Kuhad A, Chopra K.
  2. ^ Tocotrienols Improve Insulin Function  Mol Nutr Food Res.   Fang F, Kang Z, Wong C.

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