Tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supports nerve conduction velocity in diabetics, says recent study

Photo © AdobeStock.com/6okean

A recent phase II clinical trial¹ partially funded by ExcelVite (Chemor, Malaysia) found that a tocotrienol-rich vitamin E (EVNol SupraBio from ExcelVite) may support the conduction velocity of median and sural sensory nerves among type 2 diabetics. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects approximately 50% of type 2 diabetics in their lifetime. It causes nerve damage in patients that can lead to impaired mobility and quality of life.

In the study, 88 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized receive 200 mg of EVNol SupraBio twice daily, or a matching placebo for 12 months. Nerve conduction tests were conducted at baseline, then at two, six, and 12 months. After 12 months, the group receiving EVNol SupraBio saw significant improvements in conduction velocity (CV) of both median and sural sensory nerves, compared to placebo. A significant difference in peak velocity was observed in the sural nerve after 12 months, and significant improvements in CV were only observed up to six months in the tibial motor nerve. This research validates findings from a previous study², which concluded that EVNol supported nerve growth factor and nerve conduction velocities in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy.

“Diabetes is a silent killer which can impact humans with a slew of serious complications if it is left uncontrolled. Nevertheless, diabetes is not invincible as it can be effectively treated especially when it is discovered early. As of now, we have several EVNol SupraBio clinical research on diabetes and its microvascular complications, namely neuropathy, retinopathy as well as nephropathy,” said Chan Yuen Teng, head of quality, applications, research and development (QARD) at ExcelVite, in a press release. “To the best of our knowledge, these studies present novel and beneficial findings in the association of tocotrienol and diabetic complications. Through these concrete scientific data from the research studies, we hope it can give a high societal impact to the community.”

References

1. Chuar PF et al. “Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) Improved Nerve Conduction Velocity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Phase II Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 11 (2021): 3770
2. Ng YT et al. “The Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) on Diabetic Neuropathy: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 5 (2020): 1522.