(P06-31-26) Annatto Tocotrienol Supplementation Increases Pelvic BMD and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Obese Adults: A 24-Week Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of 24-week dietary tocotrienol supplementation on fat mass, bone mineral density (BMD), lipid profiles, lipid-related biomarkers, and oxidative stress markers in obese adults.

Methods: Forty-nine adults (BMI≥ 30) were randomized to tocotrienol (TT) group (n=26; 430 mg DeltaGold® tocotrienol softgel, 70% purity, daily) or placebo group (n=23; 430 mg olive oil softgel, daily) for 24 weeks. Total and regional fat mass and BMD were assessed by DEXA at 0, 12, and 24 weeks. Serum lipid profiles, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and C‑reactive protein (CRP) were measured at 0, after 12, and after 24 weeks. Plasma leptin and adiponectin, serum insulin, and urinary 8‑hydroxy‑2’-deoxyguanosine (8‑OHdG; creatinine-adjusted) were quantified by respective ELISA kits at 0, 12, and 24 weeks. Between- and within-group differences were analyzed using t-tests, and adjusted between-group changes were assessed by general linear models controlling for age, sex, and BMI.

Results: Baseline characteristics including medical history did not differ between TT group (5M/21F; 47.6 ± 16.4 years; BMI 36.61 ± 5.28 kg/m²; 1 dropout) and placebo group (3M/10F; 50.6 ± 14.1 years; BMI 37.17 ± 6.90 kg/m²; 2 dropouts). No significant between-group differences were observed in fat distribution, BMD (head, arms, legs, trunk, ribs, spine), lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, GGT), or lipid-related biomarkers (leptin, adiponectin, CRP, insulin) (P >0.05). Pelvic BMD remained stable in the tocotrienol group but declined in placebo (P=0.026), indicating protective effects of tocotrienol supplementation on pelvic bone loss. Urinary 8-OHdG remained unchanged with tocotrienol, whereas placebo showed increases at 12 and 24 weeks (P < 0.05), suggesting greater oxidative stress without tocotrienol supplementation.

Conclusions: Tocotrienol supplementation for 24 weeks mitigated pelvic BMD loss and prevented increases in oxidative stress in obese adults, despite no effects on fat mass, regional fat distribution, lipid profiles, or lipid‑related biomarkers. These findings suggest a potential role for tocotrienols in supporting bone health and regulating oxidative stress in obesity.

Funding Sources: School of Medicine Collaborative Research Seed Grant, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. American River Nutrition, LLC, Hadley, MA.