Palm vitamin E improves bone metabolism and survival rate in thyrotoxic rats

The effects of vitamin E derived from palm oil on bone turnover in thyrotox ic rats were studied. Palm vitamin E reduced bone resorption to a greater e xtent than bone formation in thyrotoxic rats, suggesting a net reduction in bone loss. The action of palm vitamin E is probably due to its antioxidant properties. Survival rates were also significantly increased in thyrotoxic rats given palm vitamin E, suggesting the role of free radicals in the ove rall morbidity and mortality in thyrotoxicosis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science I nc. All rights reserved.