PALM tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), known for its nutrient function, can now be used on the labels of food products, a huge progress that benefits manufacturers and consumers as well as the palm oil industry.
Food processing manufacturers that use palm-based tocotrienol can state on the labels of their products two claims — TRF is an anti-oxidant and may help reduce oxidative stress. The other functional claim is that TRF may help improve cognitive function.
The Health Ministry has approved two nutrient function claims for TRF.
In 2019, the ministry gazetted that TRF be included as Vitamin E under the classification as permitted added nutrient allowed for food products.
Food processing manufacturers can use these nutrient function claims for food products that contain at least 10mg per 100ml of TRF for liquid food or at least 10mg per 100g of TRF for solid food.
These nutrient function claims were approved by the ministry following in-depth technical reviews and supported by the latest evidence from clinical studies and population studies, including Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) research.
MPOB applied for the ministry's approval about 10 years ago after we received the United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) "generally recognised as safe" approval for TRF to be used in food products.
Under Section 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to pre-market review and approval by the FDA, unless the substance is generally recognised among qualified experts as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the
substance is otherwise excepted from the definition of a food additive.
Labels that explain that TRF is an added nutrient in the food will attract consumers and will increase public awareness of the various benefits of TRF for consumer health.
Prior to this, food manufacturers can only state tocotrienol as one of the ingredients used in their products, but not its functions.
What is TRF?
TRF is Vitamin E sourced from palm oil with high tocotrienol content.
Tocotrienols are compounds naturally occurring at higher levels in palm oil. It is a type of Vitamin E and makes up about 70 per cent of the total Vitamin E in palm oil.
TRF can be found in the form of oil or powder. TRF is used in food products like cereals, cookies and milk powder.
TRF has many benefits. One of the most significant ones is its function as an antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress and help improve cognitive function.
Fundamental studies show that TRF's unique composition gives it potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to potential health benefits like preventing cancer, lowering cholesterol and anti-ageing.
With the Health Ministry's approval, more food products will use TRF, which is a good development for the oil palm industry.
Many collaborations between oil palm industry players are under way to formulate food products using TRF.
As for consumers, the labels will increase their awareness of the benefits of palm oil.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health challenge in Malaysia, being the leading cause of death and disability.
Statistics from the National Health and Morbidity Survey, 2019 indicate that diabetes affects approximately one in five adult Malaysians, while hypertension affects one in three.
Additionally, nearly half of the population is grappling with being overweight or obese.
The rising prevalence of NCDs is placing a great burden on the healthcare system of the country.
Recent studies have provided compelling evidence of TRF's effectiveness in preventing and managing various NCDs, marking a significant breakthrough in the field of health and wellness.
NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, are the leading cause of death worldwide. They include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions.
Due to their long-lasting effects and substantial healthcare burden, finding effective preventive measures and treatments is of utmost importance.
Consuming TRF can foster a healthier lifestyle and promote better eating habits in the fight against NCDs.
TRF, with its health benefits, can serve as a catalyst for individuals to prioritise their wellbeing.
By incorporating TRF into your daily diet, individuals are encouraged to make conscious choices towards a balanced diet and overall healthier lifestyle. This can contribute to reducing the prevalence of NCDs and improving the overall health of the Malaysian population.
MPOB, throughout the years, has developed technologies for the extraction, recovery and production of tocotrienols from various palm sources, namely palm fatty acid distillates and crude palm oil methyl esters.
A research collaboration with the Japanese in the early 1980s was the first in the world to extract tocotrienols as tocotrienol-rich fraction from palm fatty
acid distillate on a pilot plant scale.
The writer is the director-general of Malaysia Palm Oil Board