The Evolution of 50 Times More Potent Form of Vitamin E-Tocotrienol
What if the vitamin E you typically take turns out not to be the most effective form? And we say there is a 40 to 60 times more effective form of vitamin E known as Tocotrienols. Until we present the evidence, we know that the majority of you won't trust us. Hence, let us explore the evolution and research behind this remarkable molecule so that you can strengthen your belief.
History of Tocotrienols Vitamin E
The journey to understanding tocotrienols began in the early 20th century when vitamin E was first discovered in 1922 by scientists Herbert Evans and Katherine Bishop. Because Vitamin E helped in fertility, it was scientifically called tocopherol (tokos meaning childbirth; phero meaning to bring forth. This made the researchers to further investigate its role in human health. Many scientists discovered eight compounds within the vitamin E family. These include four tocopherols and four tocotrienols—alpha, beta, delta, and gamma for each class.
Tocotrienols were discovered later in the 1960s. Scientists discovered that tocopherols and a sizable quantity of tocotrienols were present in palm oil. Tocotrienols remained under the radar while most studies continued to focus on tocopherols (alpha-tocopherol), which was thought to be the most physiologically active form of vitamin E.
When Tocotrienols Vitamin E Gained Attention
It wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that tocotrienols began to gain attention within the scientific community. Dr. Banyan was the first one to suggest the name of this isomer vitamin E as “tocotrienol.”
Researchers, such as Dr. Barrie Tan, the world’s foremost expert on vitamin E, were studying the composition of tropical plants like palm and rice bran oil. During his study, he came across tocotrienols as distinct and potent antioxidants.
How did Dr. Tan's Curiosity Give us Tocotrienols Vitamin E?
Early curiosity about vitamin E led Dr. Tan to explore both tocopherols and lesser-known tocotrienols. Let's go through his journey step-by-step.
- Search for Natural Sources: He examined various plants, including palm oil and rice bran, for tocotrienol content.
- Discovery of Annatto Plant: In the Late 1990s, he went to South America to extract lutein and zeaxanthin from the marigold flower. As he himself says, it was a spiritual connection for him. Just thirty feet away from the marigold, he found Annatto (Bixa orellana) plantations. He was surprised to find the deep red pigmented seeds without any flesh were capable of retaining their color. He further continued his study in this plant.
- Isolation of Annatto Tocotrienol: He extracted two potent forms of Vitamin E-Tocotrienols, i.e., delta- and gamma-tocotrienols, from Annatto, revealing their unique purity.
- God Provided Everything in One Plant: It was a moment of serendipity or a gift from above for him. First, he discovered the annatto plant, then discovered it held a more potent form of Vitamin E—tocotrienols. On top of it, these were the most bioactive vitamin E isoforms, delta and gamma. Studies even suggest that due to their molecular structure, delta- and gamma-tocotrienols could be more effective in combating abnormal cell growth and lowering bad or unwanted fat in the body.
- Research on Health Benefits: His studies suggest strong Tocotrienols Vitamin E benefits such as antioxidant properties and support for the body’s defenses against cellular abnormalities, particularly in tumor inhibition.
- Founding American River Nutrition: Dr. Tan established a company to produce high-purity annatto tocotrienol for research and public access.
- Expanding Health Research: He studied tocotrienol’s effects on cardiovascular (CVS) health, neuron protection, and aging-related conditions.
- Publishing and Public Education: Dr. Tan shared findings through studies, conferences, and a book on tocotrienol's benefits.
- Continued Research and Discovery: His ongoing work includes exploring new applications for tocotrienol and discovering Geranylgeraniol (GG).
His study also highlighted a key difference between Alpha Tocopherol and Tocotrienol. To know, stay tuned to the next segment.
Alpha Tocopherol vs Delta Tocotrienol
The points below will help you understand the properties of Tocotrienols Vitamin E, which make it a more potent or effective antioxidant than widely used Vitamin E form-Alpha Tocopherol.
Structure
- Alpha Tocopherol: Has a longer tail; common form of Vitamin E.
- Tocotrienol: Has a shorter tail that helps to penetrate cell membranes more efficiently.
Antioxidant Power
- Alpha Tocopherol: Strong antioxidant but mainly protects lipids.
- Tocotrienol: More effective antioxidant; broader cell protection against oxidative stress.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
- Alpha Tocopherol: Minimal impact on cholesterol.
- Tocotrienol: This has the potential to decrease cholesterol and protects arterial health by reducing plaque buildup.
Anti-Cancer Properties
- Alpha Tocopherol: Limited anti-cancer effects.
- Tocotrienol: Some preliminary studies, such as Aggarwal Vaishali et al., 2019, suggest that tocotrienols may have the potential to support the inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis. However, these findings are still under investigation, and further research is needed to confirm the extent of these benefits.
Absorption and Distribution
- Alpha Tocopherol: Gets easily absorbed, but the disadvantage is that it can accumulate in tissues and disrupt the working of tocotrienol.
- Tocotrienol: Less abundant in tissues; better cell membrane penetration.
Research and Usage
- Alpha Tocopherol: Widely studied form of vitamin E and commonly used in health supplements.
- Tocotrienol: Thanks to Dr. Tan, it is getting fair recognition for its specialized health benefits, especially in CVS and cancer research.
Note: All the Tocotrienols Vitamin E benefits mentioned above in various health conditions are still in the early stages of research, and further research is needed to confirm the extent of these benefits. Do not take it as a substitute for your prescribed medicine.
Conclusion
Now that you know why Tocotrienol is the superior form of Vitamin E, it’s clear that choosing a product with 100% Tocotrienol is essential for achieving optimal benefits. For this pursuit, you can opt for plant-based Vitamin E-Tocotrienol as an integral part of your wellness journey. Remember to avoid products mixed with Tocopherol, as they won’t deliver the full support your body deserves. Make the right choice for your health with pure Plant-based Vitamin E-Tocotrienol products!
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
https://www.fujichemical.co.jp/english/life_science/tocotreal/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3681510/#R46
https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-11-52
