8 Key Qualities to Spot a High-Quality Tocotrienol Supplement

Did your doctor just recommend tocotrienol supplements, and are you wondering how to choose the best one for you? Here's a guide. 

Dr. Barrie Tan's breakthrough discovery of annatto-derived tocotrienols has revolutionized the world of nutrition and wellness. Tocotrienols are known for their superior antioxidative properties, which combat free radical damage. According to emerging research, tocotrienols have various potential health potentials. 

Your doctor might recommend tocotrienols if you are suffering from vitamin E deficiency. Additionally, tocotrienol supplements can also support bone density, improve cardiovascular health, and boost brain health. However, with numerous brands selling so-called 'best tocotrienol supplements', the question is which is actually a promising vitamin E supplement. 

Here is a blog highlighting what makes a tocotrienol supplement effective and potent. Scrolling down the blog to the end will help you choose the best tocotrienol supplements. 

But First, What Are Tocotrienol Supplements 

Tocotrienols are plant-derived natural antioxidants and are the most potent form of vitamin E. Characterized by the presence of a chromanol ring and an unsaturated carbon chain, tocotrienols are 40-60 times more powerful antioxidants than tocopherols. 

It is an essential nutrient that is important for overall health. A healthy adult requires 100-200 mg of tocotrienol per day for cellular protection. However, an average American diet can provide only 2 mg of tocotrienol per day, which is just 1-2% of the expected requirements. That's why tocotrienol supplementation is needed to protect cellular functionalities. 

When included in supplementation, tocotrienols combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Further, unlike other vitamin E supplements, tocotrienols can penetrate deeper into the lipid membranes, promoting cellular health. Studies show that tocotrienol supplements also lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect skin health. 

What Makes a Tocotrienol Supplement 'Best' 

To find the best tocotrienol supplement for your health goal, it is important to learn the factors that define its efficacy and safety. 

Imagine taking a tocotrienol supplement that includes multiple additional ingredients beyond just tocotrienols. It may interfere with the functionality and effectiveness of pure tocotrienols. That's why the source of vitamin E plays a vital role. It determines the potency of the supplements without any synthetic intervention. 

Naturally, tocotrienols are available in three primary sources: rice bran, palm oil, and annatto. However, except for annatto, all other sources contain vitamin E in the proportion of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Till now, annatto is the only rare source that is free of tocopherols and enriched with δ-tocotrienol. As per studies, δ-tocotrienol constitutes 80-90% of total tocotrienols, making it a superior choice. 

Extraction is a crucial step that transforms any natural source into a regulated dietary supplement. Go for the brands that follow the selective extraction of tocotrienols from their sources. For annatto-derived tocotrienols, there is an award-winning extraction process that utilizes supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide as the solvent. 

Compared to traditional solvents, SFE is often considered superior. CO2 leaves a cleaner annatto extract with minimal solvent residue. It is eco-friendly and allows selective extraction of tocotrienols, minimizing unwanted components like bixin. Furthermore, these extraction processes are further optimized by controlling pressure and temperature to ensure high yield and purity levels. 

Did you know that not all tocotrienols are the same? Tocotrienols exist in four isomers (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta), each linked with unique health potentials. When including tocotrienol supplements in your regimen, ensure you choose the best one for your specific medical conditions. Studies show that δ-tocotrienol is the most potent form of vitamin E. 

Not only that, research also supports the anti-cancer, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects of δ-tocotrienol. γ-tocotrienol is the second most potent form of vitamin E linked to neuroprotective benefits. While α-tocotrienol is a potent antioxidant, it lacks health benefits. Studies show that a blend of gamma-tocotrienols is most effective in terms of absorption and health benefits. 

Tocopherols are the earliest-known members of the vitamin E family. In fact, until the discovery of tocotrienol, tocopherols were the only vitamin E supplements. Tocopherol is found in various natural sources, including leafy vegetables, nuts, and oils. However, unlike tocotrienols, tocopherols lack anti-inflammatory properties and are the least potent form of vitamin E as an antioxidant. 

Not only that, but tocopherols also interfere with the efficacy of tocotrienols. More than 15% of tocopherols can lower the absorption and effectiveness of tocotrienols, including their ability to lower 'bad' cholesterol. Thus, choose tocotrienol supplements that are free of tocopherols or annatto-derived. Till now, annatto is the only rare source of tocotrienols that is free from tocopherols. 

Learn the difference between tocotrienols and tocopherols. 

You might be amazed to find out that tocotrienols exhibit a shorter half-life compared to tocopherols, which is because tocotrienols have a lower affinity for the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP). Results? Quicker metabolism, excretion, and lower plasma concentration with tocotrienol supplements. In simple words, even if consumed in high amounts, only a small fraction is absorbed and utilized by the body. 

Guess what's worse? Poor absorption may reduce the functional benefits of tocotrienols, even with supplementation. Or may need to take frequent dosing. However, modern formulation techniques can significantly improve absorption. You can choose liposomal or softgel tocotrienol supplements. The softgel supplements are quickly absorbed by the body, ensuring greater bioavailability. 

Tocotrienols, like any form of vitamin E, are susceptible to oxidative degradation. Due to their unique structure and the presence of unsaturated carbon chains, tocotrienols can be easily oxidized by heat, light, and alkali. Thus, it is crucial to protect tocotrienol supplements from degradation to ensure effectiveness. 

Always choose DeltaGold® softgels with tocotrienol supplementation with hermetic sealing. With pure liquid vitamin E tocotrienols, hermetic sealing ensures that air cannot enter or exit, both inside and outside, the softgels. This airtight packaging ensures that you get the maximum nutritional value out of every dose. 

You need to be more careful while consuming supplements than medicines. Sounds complicated, doesn't it? But that's the truth. Unlike medications and drugs, the FDA does not approve supplements for safety and effectiveness. Thus, a tocotrienol supplement may or may not contain the ingredients and nutrition listed on the label. 

However, there's another way through which the FDA regulates nutrition and supplements: GRAS Certification. GRAS, or Generally Recognized as Safe, is given to a substance that is considered safe for food consumption. Look for the GRAS-approved tocotrienol supplements. Additionally, you can also ensure that the supplement manufacturing brand you trust adheres to GMP and science-backed formulation. 

From 2007 to 2021, the FDA has identified over 1000 dietary supplements adulterated with either approved or unapproved active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). While the addition of API stimulates benefits like sexual enhancement, weight loss, and muscle building, it also induces some health risks. 

Moreover, in worst-case scenarios, combining an unapproved API with a supplement can cause adverse reactions. Trust third-party tested tocotrienol supplements that also ensure non-GMO practice. You can also check the presence of premium, patented ingredients in the supplements that promise enhanced efficacy and absorption. 

Eannatto DeltaGold®: Pure, Potent & Science-Backed Tocotrienols 

If you're wondering how to find a tocotrienol supplement that offers all the powerful features together, your answer is Eannatto DeltaGold Tocotrienols Vitamin E Supplement by Wellness Extract. Derived from annatto by the award-winning extraction process, Eannatto is FDA-compliant and scientifically proven to improve overall cellular health. 

Learn more about Ennatto Vitamin E Tocotrienols Supplements. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tocotrienol Supplement 

It's not just about getting the best tocotrienol supplements, but also taking them in the best way to achieve maximum effectiveness and health benefits. Remember, supplements are not miracle cures or treatments. When included in a regimen, supplements can help add nutrients to your diet and minimize the risk of deficiencies. While they may benefit your health in one way or another, they do not cure or treat any diseases, even when overdosed. 

Similarly, vitamin E tocotrienols are just a preventative measure. Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking tocotrienol supplements. 

Take supplements in the ideal dose. For a healthy adult, 100-200 mg of tocotrienol per day is recommended for optimal results. Additionally, based on your medical conditions, you may consider 300-600 mg of tocotrienol per day. However, it is interesting to note that even 1000 mg of tocotrienol per day has not shown any adverse reactions. 

Find Out More: How Much Tocotrienol Is Too Much? Understanding the Right Tocotrienol Dose 

Tocotrienols are fat-soluble vitamins. In other words, their absorption increases when taken with dietary fat. Thus, it is best to take tocotrienol supplements with meals enriched with nuts, seeds, and olive oil for better absorption and to maximize their benefits. 

Heat and light may degrade tocotrienols, especially if they are not stored in a hermetically sealed container. So, keep supplements in their original, airtight container away from direct sunlight. 

If you are taking tocotrienols in a higher dose (more than 300 mg per day), consider splitting them into two smaller doses (e.g., morning and evening), which may help enhance absorption. 

Learn that supplementation is not a cure, but a preventive process that takes time to show visible effects. You must take tocotrienol supplements for at least 3 to 12 months to see noticeable improvements. 

Along with the supplementation, make necessary lifestyle changes to your regimen. Avoid or limit your alcohol consumption. Stay hydrated. Take a balanced diet rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Also, exercise for at least 150 minutes a week to level up your health. 

In general, tocotrienols are safe to use with most medications. However, if you have any bleeding disorder or are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, it is best to seek advice from your doctor before considering tocotrienols supplementation. 

Final Words 

There's no doubt that tocotrienols offer numerous health benefits and superior antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress. However, selecting tocotrienol supplements after ensuring source, purity, and bioavailability. Always consult a healthcare provider first to make the right decision for your health. 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed by the FDA. The information contained within this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or care of healthcare professionals. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the therapeutic effects of tocotrienol in the human ecosystem. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. What is the tocotrienol supplement used for? 

The primary health benefit of the tocotrienol supplement is to combat oxidative stress. However, emerging studies suggest that tocotrienol lowers cholesterol levels and supports cardiac health. 

Q2. What is the best source of tocotrienols? 

Annatto seeds are a rare natural source that contains pure tocotrienols with no tocopherols. 

Other sources are rice bran and palm oil. 

Q3. Is tocotrienol a blood thinner? 

Studies suggest that tocotrienols show blood-thinning effects with no side effects. 

Q4. Which tocotrienols are best? 

Annatto-derived tocotrienols are the best and most potent. You may consider Eannatto vitamin E tocotrienols supplements by Wellness Extract. 

Q5. Can you take tocotrienols every day? 

Yes, tocotrienols are safe and effective when taken over the long term. A healthy adult can take 100-200 mg of tocotrienols per day for maximum benefits. 

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