Edison, NJ—A recent study has shown that gamma-tocotrienol from red palm oil can potentially slow obesity in mice by accumulating in adipose tissue.This study, administered by researchers from the University of Florida, centered around three different diet groups of mice, one with a low fat diet, one with a high fat diet with 60% calories from fats, and another high fat diet group with 0.05% gamma-tocotrienol from a branded supplement from Carotech Inc.. Several markers including body weight gain, adipose volume, and insulin level were taken before and after a 4 week supplementation period.

The results of the study showed that the gamma-tocotrienol had significantly accumulated in adipose tissue and a lower body weight compared to the high-fat diet group. Several other positive traits were recorded in the gamma-tocotrienol group, such as improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity as well as reduced inflammation in adipose tissue. While it is too early to gauge gamma-tocotrienol as a viable supplement for humans, the leader of this study, SK Chung, Ph.D, had previously worked on a study testing gamma-tocotrienol on human adipose-derived stem cells. In addition, Bryan See, regional product manager at Carotech Inc., noted that the results of this study “strongly support earlier studies done in Japan, Taiwan as well as the University of Florida, which shows that gamma-tocotrienol significantly attenuates obesity and obesity-associated metabolic complications.” See also stated that controlling the rate of obesity could lower the risk of several health conditions among the population. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that 79 million adults and 13 million children aged 2-19 years in the U.S. are obese.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, November 2014(online 9/30/14)