Annatto
Also known as: Annatto, Achiote, Annatto tocotrienols, Bixa orellana L., Annatto Tocotrienols
Overview
Annatto is a natural pigment and a rich source of tocotrienols, a unique subgroup of vitamin E isoforms, extracted from the seeds of the *Bixa orellana* L. shrub. Unlike common tocopherols, tocotrienols possess an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain, which may confer distinct biological activities. Primarily used as a dietary supplement, annatto tocotrienols are marketed for their antioxidant properties, potential anti-inflammatory effects, and benefits in metabolic health, including liver function and bone health. Research on annatto tocotrienols is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews focusing on their effects on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers. The available evidence, largely from high-quality studies, suggests that annatto tocotrienols are generally safe, though their efficacy for many purported benefits remains limited or inconclusive based on current clinical data.
Benefits
Current evidence suggests that annatto-derived tocotrienols are primarily beneficial for their safety profile and potential positive impact on liver function. A 12-week randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal osteopenic women demonstrated that supplementation with up to 600 mg/day of annatto tocotrienol was safe, showing no adverse effects on liver or kidney markers. Notably, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, an indicator of liver health, decreased significantly (p < 0.05), suggesting improved liver function. However, the evidence for other benefits, such as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, is less robust. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 RCTs found no significant effect of tocotrienol supplementation on TNF-α levels, a key inflammatory marker, indicating limited anti-inflammatory benefits. Similarly, no significant changes were observed in body composition (weight, BMI, % body fat) in studies. While safety is well-supported, clinical efficacy for widespread health benefits remains largely unproven or modest.
How it works
Annatto tocotrienols exert their effects primarily through their potent antioxidant activity. As members of the vitamin E family, they scavenge free radicals and modulate oxidative stress pathways, thereby protecting cells from damage. While they are also thought to influence inflammatory signaling cascades, such as NF-κB, clinical evidence for significant anti-inflammatory effects is limited. Tocotrienols primarily interact with the body's antioxidant enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation pathways. They are fat-soluble compounds, and their absorption and bioavailability are enhanced when consumed with dietary fats. Once absorbed, they are distributed throughout the body, with potential effects on liver function and systemic oxidative stress. The unique chemical structure of tocotrienols, particularly the unsaturated side chain, is believed to contribute to their distinct biological activities compared to tocopherols.
Side effects
Annatto-derived tocotrienols are generally considered safe when taken at doses up to 600 mg/day for at least 12 weeks, as demonstrated in clinical trials. High-quality randomized controlled trials have reported no common, uncommon, or rare side effects. Specifically, no adverse effects on liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin) or kidney markers (BUN, creatinine) have been observed. There are no well-documented drug interactions, though caution is advised with anticoagulants due to the general class effects of vitamin E, which can potentially increase bleeding risk. No specific contraindications have been identified in the reviewed studies. Safety has been specifically demonstrated in postmenopausal osteopenic women, but data in other specific populations are limited. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, with no significant adverse events reported in clinical research.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for annatto tocotrienols is not definitively established for efficacy, but safety has been confirmed at doses up to 600 mg/day. Clinical studies have utilized dosage ranges from 80 mg/day to 600 mg/day. The maximum safe dose identified in research is 600 mg/day for a duration of 12 weeks; long-term maximum safe doses beyond this period have not been established. As annatto tocotrienols are fat-soluble, they are best taken with meals containing dietary fat to enhance their absorption and bioavailability. It is recommended to use tocotrienol-rich annatto extracts that are standardized for their delta- and gamma-tocotrienol content. No specific cofactors are required to optimize their absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is annatto tocotrienol supplementation safe?
Yes, clinical trials indicate that annatto-derived tocotrienols are safe at doses up to 600 mg/day for at least 12 weeks, with no adverse effects on liver or kidney function.
Does it reduce inflammation?
Evidence from meta-analyses suggests no significant reduction in TNF-α or consistent anti-inflammatory effects, indicating limited benefit in reducing systemic inflammation.
How long before benefits appear?
Safety has been confirmed at 12 weeks of use. However, efficacy data for specific benefits are inconclusive and variable, so a clear timeline for effects is not established.
Is it effective for weight loss or body composition?
No, randomized controlled trials have not shown any significant effects of annatto tocotrienol supplementation on weight loss or changes in body composition.
Are there any side effects?
No significant side effects have been reported in high-quality controlled clinical trials at studied doses, making it generally well-tolerated.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6022510/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the safety and effects of annatto tocotrienol in postmenopausal osteopenic women. It found that 600 mg/day of annatto tocotrienol was safe over 12 weeks, with no adverse effects on liver or kidney function, and even showed a decrease in ALP levels, suggesting improved liver health. No changes in body composition were observed.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0255205 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 19 RCTs, assessed the impact of tocotrienol supplementation on inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. It concluded that tocotrienol supplementation had no significant effect on TNF-α levels, indicating limited anti-inflammatory benefits, and showed mixed or modest results for other markers.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8301652/ – This source provides additional meta-analytic data consistent with the findings of Khor et al. (2021), reinforcing the conclusion that while tocotrienols are safe, their efficacy in significantly reducing systemic inflammation or affecting body composition is limited, highlighting heterogeneity in study designs.
Supplements Containing Annatto
Organic Total Nutrition
Genesis Today
Beta Carotene 25000 IU
Thompson
Vibrant Flora Peach Mango
Vibrant Health
Buen Dia Natural French Vanilla Flavor
Convida. Powered by Vibrant Health
Your 1 Daily Nutrition
Country Life Realfood Organics
Men's Once Daily
Garden of Life MyKind Organics