Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Tocotrienolswhich were neglected in the past, today get attentions due to their antioxidant and none-antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8 weeks consumption of 15 ml T3 enriched canola oil (200mg/day T3) on glycemic controlandoxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: Thisclinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (FBS> 126 mg/dl) who were randomly assigned in two (intervention and control) groups. Intervention group (n=25) received 15 ml T3 enriched canola oil (200mg/day T3) or pure canola oil. Blood samples of patients were collected to measure fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Malon Di Aldehyde (MDA) levels and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).Physical activity levels and nutrients intake were evaluated before and after intervention and were compared between the groups.

Results: FBS, TAC, and MDA were declined significantly by 20, 25 and 35% respectively, in T3 treated group. At the end of the study, intervention group had significantly lower FBS, MDA than control group. A non-significant decrease was also observed in HOMA-IR in intervention group with no changes in insulin levels.

Conclusions: These data suggest that tocotrienols may improve glycemic status, oxidative stress indicators, in diabetic patients but the effects on insulin sensisivity need to investigate more in future.