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Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)
A distinct vitamin-E subfamily (tocotrienols, not the usual tocopherols) with meta-analysis evidence for RAISING HDL cholesterol — though it does NOT lower LDL/total cholesterol/triglycerides — plus antioxidant and emerging NAFLD signals.
What the evidence says
Tocotrienols doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2002–2026 with a typical study size of 71 participants.
Based on 65 studies · 6 meta-analyses · 41 RCTs · 71 total participants
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
Meta-analysis shows tocotrienols raise HDL but do not lower LDL, total cholesterol, or triglycerides; liver and metabolic signals are small, often from combination products or pilot trials.
39 randomised trials
90% were about Tocotrienols in an audit of 39 of them
Every randomised or controlled trial of Tocotrienols indexed in PubMed, not a hand-picked subset. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are deliberately excluded from this count: most of them cover many compounds at once, so counting them would inflate it.
PubMed · as of Sep 2026
10 trials ongoing or recruiting · 53 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
5 of the completed trials have posted results
Registered trials show research momentum for Tocotrienols, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Oct 2026
Tocotrienols are one of the two subfamilies of vitamin E (the other being the more common tocopherols). Often sourced from annatto, rice bran, or palm, they have distinct antioxidant and lipid effects.
The honest lipid picture from meta-analysis: tocotrienols significantly RAISE HDL cholesterol but do NOT lower LDL, total cholesterol, or triglycerides — so they're not a general cholesterol-lowering agent.
There are emerging signals for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (often in combination products) and general antioxidant support. They are a separate supplement from standard 'vitamin E' (alpha-tocopherol).
Potent lipid-soluble antioxidant activity, distinct from alpha-tocopherol.
May modulate HMG-CoA reductase; net clinical effect is raising HDL, not lowering LDL.
Reduces inflammatory and oxidative markers.
How Tocotrienols works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Use caution at high doses.
Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E, which may add to the effect of warfarin. This has not been shown for tocotrienols. Tell the prescriber before starting and have INR checked when you start, stop or change the dose.
Vitamin E has mild antiplatelet activity. Tell the prescriber before combining. A grade for this interaction is held for clinical review and has not been validated, so no severity is given. The precaution still applies: ask a pharmacist about the exact supplement and medicine. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines based on this notice.
Interferes with tocotrienol absorption — separate.
Tip: Take with food
Tocotrienols has an evidence score of 5/10 — moderate evidence based on 65 indexed studies, including 2 meta-analyses. A distinct vitamin-E subfamily (tocotrienols, not the usual tocopherols) with meta-analysis evidence for RAISING HDL cholesterol — though it does NOT lower LDL/total cholesterol/triglycerides — plus antioxidant and emerging NAFLD signals. Representative study: PMID 32951713.
The commonly studied dose of Tocotrienols is 100-300mg mixed tocotrienols daily (annatto delta/gamma-tocotrienol common). A typical label dose. The cited trial used 300 mg of delta-tocotrienol twice a day. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Tocotrienols is with meals. Take it with food. Fat-soluble — take with a meal containing fat; separate from high-dose alpha-tocopherol which can blunt tocotrienol absorption.
Tocotrienols is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most healthy adults at recommended doses. Reported side effects include mild GI upset. How often they occur is not established for all of them. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Bleeding disorders / anticoagulant use (vitamin E family — mild antiplatelet); Pregnancy/breastfeeding (supplemental doses not well studied).
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Red Yeast Rice
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 65 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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