October 18/Singapore/Channel NewsAsia -- Scientists from Singapore have found that tocotrienols, members of the Vitamin E family, are effective in lowering the levels of triglyceride, a form of fat in the blood.

High levels of triglyceride are closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

The scientists found that gamma and delta tocotrienols, derived naturally from palm oil, lowered triglyceride levels by 28% after two months.

The subjects also showed lower average weight, body fat mass, body fat percentage and waist measurement.

The clinical study points to the potential of tocotrienols as a natural remedy in fighting obesity.

Scientists at Davos Life Science (Singapore), researchers at Malaysia Palm Oil Board and Japan's Phytopharma collaborated on the study.

The study was published in the October issue of Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, the publication of the Japan Atherosclerosis Society.

The study involved 20 human subjects and was conducted in Takara Clinic in Japan.

From the November 1, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition