Tocotrienol beverage boosts antioxidant defenses and wellbeing in older adults, clinical trial finds

A recently published study¹ examined the effects of a tocotrienol-enriched beverage on antioxidant activity and psychological well-being of older adults. Oxidative stress, genomic instability, and chronic inflammation in aging adults, the study explains, can contribute to damage to DNA, slower tissue repair, and less systemic resilience. Tocotrienols, it adds, have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The beverage used in the study was formulated with tocotrienols/tocopherol complex TocoGaia, which is derived from palm oil, from PhytoGaia. The double-blinded, two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial, “Tocotrienol-Enriched Beverage Enhances Psychological Well-Being, Antioxidant Defense, and Genomic Stability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in Nutrients on June 30, 2025.

In this six-month study, 67 participants aged 50–70 were instructed to consume one serving of a tocotrienol-enriched beverage or a placebo beverage once per day, preferably after breakfast. Each serving of the test beverage contained 200 mg of mixed tocotrienols. Assessments were taken at baseline, halfway through the study, and at the end.

Highlighted results include:

• Participants in the tocotrienol group showed a significantly greater improvements in psychological scores than the placebo group
• A reduction in cytokines and inflammatory markers was seen in the tocotrienol group compared to placebo
• A significant improvement in antioxidant and enzyme activity was seen in the tocotrienol group compared to placebo
• Telomerase activity was also increased in the tocotrienol group. Telomerase is an enzyme important for genomic stability, the study explains
• Significant changes in cognitive scores or physical performance were not seen

“This is one of the most comprehensive human trials to date showing that tocotrienols (TocoGaia) can positively modulate several key hallmarks of aging, from reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to enhancing genomic protection,” stated Ariati Aris, scientific affairs specialist at PhytoGaia, in a July 7, 2025 press release. “What’s truly encouraging is that these benefits were seen within just six months of supplementation, with no reported side effects. These findings add robust support to the growing scientific evidence positioning tocotrienols (TocoGaia) as a safe and effective nutraceutical for healthy aging.”

Longer-term studies on the effects on biomarkers and support of healthy aging were suggested by the researchers to confirm the initial findings.

“This study comes at a pivotal time when brands and consumers alike are demanding natural, effective, and above all – safe solutions for healthy aging,” stated Bryan See, vice president of PhytoGaia. “Honestly, TocoGaia makes it easier for brands to compete. It’s clean-label, clinically validated, and delivers exactly what today’s consumers and product teams are looking for.”

Reference

1. Sharif, R.; Wai, MK; Choon, OT; Abdul Hafid, SR; Lee, TY. Tocotrienol-Enriched Beverage Enhances Psychological Well-Being, Antioxidant Defense, and Genomic Stability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025, 17(13), 2179. DOI: 10.3390/nu17132179