Vitamin D may help to reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Vitamin D is rapidly becoming one of the most studied vitamins of our time. These studies have indicated that vitamin D is closely linked with several aspects of human health and survival. A new meta-analysis (collective review and analysis of previous studies) published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (July 2011), reported finding a clear correlation between vitamin D intake of greater than 500 IU per day and a 13% reduced risk for developing type-2 diabetes. It was also noted that those individuals with the highest blood levels of vitamin D (>25 ng/dl) had a 43% lower risk of developing type-2 diabetes than
those individuals with the lowest blood levels (<14 ng/ml). This research review shows that vitamin D may play a role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes; however, more high quality studies will be needed to find how and to what extent it may be used in the course of this health-related condition.

To read more on this study:
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ejcn2011118a.html

Vitamin E tocotrienols provide cholesterol benefits.

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family that have been proven to influence several aspects of health such as neurological conditions and free radical reduction. Over the years, tocotrienols have often been overshadowed by a more commonly known form of vitamin E - tocopherol. Though both forms share some health related aspects, research is finding that tocotrienols might have a greater impact on human health than previously believed. A recent study published in Nutrition & Metabolism (June 2011) reported that 6 months supplementation with tocotrienols was associated with an improvement in plasma cholesterol levels, decrease in advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), and increased vitamin E levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. This study included 62 subjects from two age groups, 35-49 years and 50+ years, who were randomly assigned to receive either the tocotrienols or placebo for the 6 month period. Both HDL cholesterol levels and total plasma HDL to cholesterol levels improved. The reduction in AGEs, which are normally occurring by-products of metabolism and aging that have been associated with the progression of age-related diseases, was correlated to a reduction in oxidative stress and protein damage. Though more research is needed to discover all of the benefits tocotrienols have to offer, this study supports the necessity for that research.

To read more on this study:
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-8-42.pdf