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. These tocotrienols are naturally sourced from the annatto plant, which is recognized for its superior health benefits and safety profile compared to synthetic options.

Known for their superior antioxidant properties, tocotrienols help combat free radical damage. According to emerging research, tocotrienols have various potential health benefits.

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.

First, What Are Vitamin E Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols are an essential nutrient important for overall health. They are plant-derived, the most potent form of Vitamin E. Here's what characterizes tocotrienols:

• Presence of a chromanol ring
• An unsaturated carbon chain

The unique structure of tocotrienols makes them more powerful antioxidants than tocopherols (the other form of Vitamin E)

Why Do We Need Tocotrienol Supplements

A healthy adult requires 100-200 mg of tocotrienol per day for cellular protection. However, an average American diet typically provides only 2 mg of tocotrienol per day, which is approximately 1-2% of the recommended daily requirements.

• When included in supplementation, tocotrienols combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
• It can penetrate deeper into the lipid membranes, promoting cellular health.
• Regular use of tocotrienol supplements has been associated with improved health outcomes, including better cardiovascular and cellular function.
• Studies have even shown that tocotrienol supplements can lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect skin health.
• Your doctor might recommend tocotrienols if you are suffering from vitamin E deficiency.
• Additionally, tocotrienol supplements can also support bone density and hormonal health.

Read More: Heart, Brain, Hormones: The Trinity Tocotrienols Protect

That's why tocotrienol supplementation is needed to protect cellular functionalities.

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.

1. Sourced From 'Rare' Natural Source- Annatto

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. Yes, to date, annatto is the only rare source that is free of tocopherols and enriched in δ-tocotrienol.

Annatto tocotrienols are a pure, natural form of vitamin E derived from the annatto plant, free from tocopherols and associated with enhanced absorption and wellness benefits. As per studies, δ-tocotrienol constitutes 80-90% of total tocotrienols, making it a superior choice.

Read More: What Exactly is Annatto

2. Follow Selective Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Extraction is a crucial step that transforms any natural source into a regulated dietary supplement.

Go for the brands that selectively extract tocotrienols from their sources.

• For annatto-derived tocotrienols, an award-winning extraction process is available 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 for the selective extraction of tocotrienols, minimizing the presence of unwanted components like bixin.
• Furthermore, these extraction processes are further optimized by controlling pressure and temperature to ensure high yield and purity levels.

3. Presence of the Most Potent Tocotrienol Isomer

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.
• Studies show that δ-tocotrienol is the most potent form of vitamin E. 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 broader health benefits.

Simply put, a combination of delta and gamma-tocotrienols is most effective in terms of absorption and health benefits. So next time, when you are picking tocotrienol Vitamin E supplements, make sure that they contain the right ingredients.

4. Non-Interference of Tocopherols

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.
• Higher doses of tocopherols may further interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of tocotrienols.
• And, guess what? Still 95% of Vitamin E supplements contain tocopherols in one way or another.

What can you do? Choose tocotrienol supplements that are free of tocopherols and annatto-derived ingredients. Until now, annatto is the only rare source of tocotrienols that is free from tocopherols.

5. Optimized for Maximum Bioavailability

Tocotrienols have a lower affinity for the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP). Therefore, they exhibit a shorter half-life compared to tocopherols. 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 capsule form, especially super absorbable tocotrienols, is designed for optimal absorption and convenience.

Furthermore, to maintain optimal levels, it is recommended to split the high dose into two smaller doses and pair it with balanced meals rich in healthy fats.

Read More: The Science Behind Bioavailability

6. Hermetically Sealed Softgels For Maximum Potency

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® tocotrienol supplementation with hermetic sealing.
• 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.

7. FDA GRAS-Certified and GMP Adherence

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.
• Look for an exclusive formula featuring proprietary blends or unique ingredient combinations.

8. Pure and Safe: No Hidden Ingredients

Between 2007 and 2021, the FDA identified over 1,000 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.

Featuring an exclusive formula delivered in a convenient softgel capsule for optimal absorption and efficacy, Eannatto is derived from annatto by the award-winning extraction process, FDA-compliant, and scientifically proven to improve overall cellular health.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tocotrienol Supplement 

It’s not just about selecting the best tocotrienol supplements, but also about taking them in the most effective way to achieve maximum 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.

1. Follow the Ideal Dosage

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. It is always advisable to consult a nutritionally informed physician or healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if you are considering higher doses of any supplement.

2. Take With a Fat-Containing Meal

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.

3. Store In a Cool And Dry Place

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.

4. Consider Splitting the Dose

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 tocotrienol absorption and minimize potential interactions with other nutrients. Dividing higher doses can optimize absorption and reduce the risk of interference from other forms of vitamin E.

5. Consistency is the Key

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.

6. Pair With a Healthy Lifestyle

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.

7. Check for Medication Interactions

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. Always consult a nutritionally informed physician or healthcare professional to review potential interactions, especially if you are taking higher doses or other supplements, as this may affect your health.

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 an informed decision about 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.