Studies on the Physiological Functions of Fat-soluble Food Factors and Lifestyle-related Diseases

(JSNFS Award for Excellence in Research (2023))

Abstract

Lipid intake, and its appropriate quantity and quality, are important for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases caused by obesity. The authors investigated the action of polyunsaturated fatty acids in regulating biological functions and their effects on body metabolism. Since the biological effects of consuming different vegetable oils cannot be explained by fatty acid composition alone, we have also studied the trace constituents of fats and oils. Here, we outline the results of our research on vitamin E. We have shown that tocotrienols, which are abundant in palm oil, maintain insulin secretion during a high-fat diet. Our findings also suggest that tocotrienols may inhibit fibrosis in the early stages of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition, the risk of osteoporosis associated with high vitamin E intake was examined from a nutritional perspective under various conditions. These series of studies suggest the need to consider not only fatty acid composition but also the influence of trace constituents of food when offering nutritional guidance on appropriate lipid intake.