Research: GEORGOUSOPOULOU and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 273

Abstract

GEORGOUSOPOULOU and COLLEAGUES, 1. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece; University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, Canberra, Australia; 2. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece. d.b.panagiotakos@usa.net ; 3. University of Canberra, Faculty of Health, Canberra, Australia reviewed the literature to evaluate the potential effect of intake of tocotrienols upon ageing, specifically in relation to cognitive function, osteoporosis and DNA damage.

Background

A systematic review of studies was undertaken to evaluate the potential effect of intake of tocotrienols or circulating levels of tocotrienols on parameters associated with successful ageing, specifically in relation to cognitive function, osteoporosis and DNA damage.

Methodology

Following PRISMA guidelines a systematic review of epidemiological observational studies and clinical trials was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included all English language publications in the databases PubMed and Scopus, through to the end of July 2016.

Results

Evidence from prospective and case-control studies suggested that increased blood levels of tocotrienols were associated with favourable cognitive function outcomes. A clinical trial of tocotrienol supplementation for 6 months suggested a beneficial effect of intake on DNA damage rates, but only in elderly people. Regarding osteoporosis, only in vitro studies with cultures of human bone cells were identified, and these demonstrated significant inhibition of osteoclast activity and promotion of osteoblast activity.

Conclusion

Research in middle-aged and elderly humans suggests that tocotrienols have a potential beneficial anti-ageing action with respect to cognitive impairment and DNA damage. Clinical trials are required to elucidate these effects.

References

Georgousopoulou EN1, Panagiotakos DB2, Mellor DD3, Naumovski N3. Tocotrienols, health and ageing: A systematic review. Maturitas.;95:55-60. Jan 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.11.003. Epub Nov 9 2016. Comment in Comments on tocotrienols, health and ageing. Maturitas. 2017.

Comment

The above review suggest that tocotrienols may have a potential anti-ageing beneficial action with respect to cognitive impairment and DNA damage in middle-aged and elderly people, subject to proof in further clinical trials.

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