The tocopherol and tocotrienol subfamilies of vitamin E are each composed of alpha, beta, gamma and delta fractions that have complementary biological activity.1-3 Different ratios of these compounds are found in different parts of a plant. For example, the green parts of a plant contain mostly alpha tocopherol, while the bran and seed germ contain mostly tocotrienols.4
Gamma Tocopherol is Critically Important
Evidence suggests that gamma tocopherol is one of the most critically important forms of vitamin E for those seeking optimal health benefits. But studies show the combination of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol supplementation appears to be superior to either tocopherol alone on biomarkers of oxidative stress and other whole body health factors.5
Most commercial vitamin E supplements contain little, if any, gamma tocopherol. They instead rely on alpha tocopherol as the primary ingredient. However, it’s the gamma tocopherol (not the alpha form) that quenches peroxynitrite, a free radical that may play a role in the development of age-related decline.6,7
Tocotrienols Support Blood Vessels and Nerves
Tocotrienols have shown superior action in maintaining arterial health.8,9 In 2010, a team of Asian scientists demonstrated that this class of nutrients, which are difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities through dietary sources alone, may provide superior support in maintaining triglyceride levels already within a healthy range in aging individuals.10
Research ha
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s shown that tocotrienols display neuroprotective properties and, in particular, alpha-tocotrienol has been shown to be a potent neuroprotective form of vitamin E.11,12
