Tocotrienols

WHAT ARE TOCOTRIENOLS?

While d-alpha-tocopherol is the most common form of vitamin E, the term “vitamin E” actually applies to 8 distinct but similar naturally occurring compounds: the d-tocopherols (alpha, gamma, beta, and delta) and the d-tocotrienols (also: alpha, gamma, beta, and delta).

Unlike tocopherols which are more abundant and found in vegetable oils, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables; tocotrienols are found in palm, rice bran, and barley oils, as well as wheat germ, and palm fruit. Tocopherols and tocotrienols offer slightly different health benefits and are often used in dissimilar circumstances.

Tocotrienols are regarded by many as a “clinical form” of vitamin E with unique biological activities. They are especially powerful antioxidants, so can help prevent free radical damage throughout the body. In addition, there is currently a significant amount of ongoing research on tocotrienols in areas such as neuroprotection and enhancing brain function, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, slowing the buildup of arterial plaque, and protecting cardiovascular health, as well as accelerating the healing of osteoporotic fractures; all areas wherein tocotrienols are suspected of being superior to the more common D-Alpha-Tocopherol.

BENEFITS of TOCOTRIENOLS

• Potent Free Radical Scavenging Properties
• Powerful Cholesterol Balance
• Promotes Optimal Cardiovascular & Brain Health
  
  

WHO NEEDS TOCOTRIENOLS?

Naturopaths will often suggest a tocotrienol supplement or tocotrienol blend to patients who are struggling to lower their cholesterol, to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to stimulate immune function, as well as to help protect cellular DNA from free radical damage.

TOCOTRIENOL POTENCY, FORMS & FORMATS

Tocotrienol Potency

Tocotrienol supplements, unlike tocopherols, are typically calculated and listed in mg as opposed to IU. The recommended dose is usually in the 140-360 mg daily range, with 200 mg being the most often recommended and studied dose.

Tocotrienol Forms

Tocotrienol supplements are never lab-made, but rather are extracted either from red palm fruit, rice bran, or annatto seeds. And they can be found either in blends of all four tocotrienols, in combination with D-Alpha-Tocopherol, or in formulas featuring all 8 tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Tocotrienol Formats

Tocopherol supplements are available in capsule/soft gel form. Because tocotrienols are notoriously hard to absorb, some formulas are presented in patented food-emulsified soft gels, or in liquid emulsions in a base of medium-chain triglycerides to enhance bioavailability.

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TOCOTRIENOL SUPPLEMENT

Because tocotrienols, like tocopherols, are fat-soluble; meaning they require fat to be absorbed and transported inside the body, supplements are usually presented in an oil base, and should ideally be taken with a fatty meal or snack to further enhance absorption.