Tocotrienols Help to Boost Immune System

Tocotrienols, a form of Vitamin E, an essential fat-soluble vitamin that has been shown to induce favorable effects on the human immune system, are found in rich amounts in cereal grains and rice bran.  A team of Malaysian scientists evaluated the effects of a tocotrienol compound on immune function, recruiting 108 healthy non-smoking women, ages 18 and 25 years, for a two-month long study. One group received 400 milligrams of tocotrienol compound per day, while the other group received placebo (400 mg per day of soy oil) for the study period.  Blood samples were analyzed at the start of the study, and again after 28 and 56 days. After 28 days of supplementation, all subjects received a single shot of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine.   The team observed significant increases in levels of the anti-TT antibody, interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 in the tocotrienol group, as compared with the placebo group.   The researchers write that:  “We conclude that [tocotrienols have] immunostimulatory effects and potential clinical benefits to enhance immune response.”