Oxidative Status of Ciarette Smokers with Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Supplementation

3 Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of supplementing tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, erythrocytes antioxidant enzymes activity, plasma vitamin E and C in cigarette smokers. A randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study was carried out where the smokers were divided into two groups, (n=51; placebo=24, TRF=27). Blood was taken at 0, 12 and 24 weeks respectively. Plasma tocopherol and tocotrienol increased in TRF supplemented groups and it reduced CAT activity in non-smokers at 24 weeks of supplementation. Plasma vitamin C levels were lower in smokers than non-smokers. TBARS, SOD and GPx showed no changes in both groups and also with TRF supplementation. It can be concluded that supplementation with 200 mg/d TRF has no detectable effects on oxidative status of cigarette smokers with a mild degree of oxidant stress.