How Much Tocotrienol Is Too Much? Understanding the Right Tocotrienol Dose

It's all about the right dosage of Tocotrienol or Vitamin E!

As they say, it is the dose that makes an ingredient a medicine or poison. This same concept goes with consuming Vitamin E tocotrienol dosage.

But let's have a quick flashback: 

Vitamin E is also known as the "birth vitamin.” It is also a well-acknowledged antioxidant. However, its proper dosage remains a dilemma for many. Discovered nearly 100 years ago, in the year 1922, Vitamin E is like a confetti of abundance! 

Since then, it has served as a potent antioxidant. It protects the body from the dangers of free radicals. 

Wait—free radicals? Sounds complex? Let’s simplify.

Free radicals are molecules that are unstable in the body & are highly reactive, which means that they can react quickly with other healthy molecules with which they come in contact. This process is known as oxidation, which is harmful to your body.

Thus, to counter this harmful process, we have Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. 

Antioxidants act as scavengers of these free radicals. They bind with them before the free radicals can inflict damage to the DNA of cells in the body, skin, heart, and other degenerative ailments, making them a hero in the field of bio-nutrition.

Why is Vitamin E a Superstar?

Because it checks all the boxes for being a true powerhouse.

According to market research, Vitamin E tocotrienols are projected to grow significantly as tocotrienol benefits become more widely recognized, such as protective properties against oxidative stress, support for skin and eyes, and support to the immune system.

Vitamin E consists of two sister compounds, “tocopherols & tocotrienols.” Both of these exist further in four forms, i.e.,α (alpha), β (beta), γ (gamma), and δ (delta). Tocopherol has been known for ages. However, the emergence of tocotrienol came out much later, in the year 1964. 

Although the benefits of vitamin E have been well documented over the last century, research efforts have focused primarily on one-half of this common antioxidant family, i.e., alpha-tocopherol. Despite this vast field of research, newer studies have shown that alpha-tocopherol fails to be the most potent isoform (type) of Vitamin E. 

Furthermore, researchers have shifted toward studying the tocotrienol isoform, which expresses more versatile health benefits.

Here in this article, we will leverage the opportunity to provide some insights about  the proper tocotrienol dosage: 

Who Extracted This Nature’s Hidden Gem: Vitamin E Tocotrienol?

Thanks to Dr. Barrie Tan, Ph. D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry & the inventor of several tocotrienol extraction processes who dedicated his research career to the tocotrienols. His work was not limited to research; he made it possible to isolate and provide it to the commoner. It took many years of research and studies to bring tocotrienol from the lab to the shelves of the commoner. 

As Dr.Tan mentions on page no. 57 of his book: A usual daily dose of tocotrienol for a healthy adult ranges from 100 to 200 mg per day, depending on individual health factors. 

But how much tocotrienol per day is safe? Research suggests that doses up to 600 mg per day are well tolerated, with some studies going as high as 1,000 mg/day.

This amount is sufficient to confer lipid antioxidant protection as well as the protection of all cell membranes.

Quick fact: Tocotrienols recommended dosage varies based on health conditions. For example, research suggests that the tocotrienol dosage for fatty liver is 600 mg per day, while for heart health, the typical tocotrienol dose is 250 mg/day.

Since the average American diet provides only 2mg of vitamin E tocotrienol for optimum antioxidant protection, supplementation is required. And that too in an appropriate amount. 

The optimal tocotrienol dosage varies based on age, weight, health status, genetics, diet, and individual response. Let's explore the dosage for an individual as per the research.

What 3 research studies have to say about tocotrienol dosage?

The research below gives an idea about the dosage and benefits of tocotrienol. Have a look.

1. Study 1 by Mahipal, A. et al., 

• Objective: To determine the Safety of Vitamin E delta-tocotrienol  (VEDT) for humans

• Study Design:

36 healthy people took VEDT in doses ranging from 100 to 1600 mg. Some participants took a single dose, while others took it twice a day for 14 days.

Blood and urine samples were analyzed to track VEDT levels and its breakdown products in the body.

• Results: VEDT was safe to take, even at the highest dose of 1600 mg twice daily, with no harmful side effects.

2. Study 2 by Pervez MA et al.

Objective: To study how Delta-tocotrienol could improve liver health in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)  

• Study design: 

71 people with NAFLD took part in the study, which lasted 24 weeks. Participants were divided randomly into two groups:

           One group received δ-tocotrienol (300 mg) twice daily, i.e., 600mg

           The other group received a placebo.

• What Were the Results? The study found that people taking δ-tocotrienol had a reduction in liver fat and showed improved liver health with decreased markers of inflammation.

3. Study 3 by  Sen Chandan K et al.

• Objective: To determine the optimal dose of Vitamin E tocotrienol for managing hot flashes and assess its effectiveness.

• Study Design: 

51 women experiencing hot flashes were divided into two groups:

           Treatment group: Received Vitamin E ( patented dose of 400mg-800mg of tocotrienol for 4 weeks)

           Control Group: Received Placebo

• Result: Women who took vitamin E reported less severe hot flashes compared to when they took the placebo. Plus,  they also experienced fewer hot flashes each day with vitamin E than with the placebo.

Daily tocotrienols recommended dosage by Dr. Tan

Apart from the above conditions, Daily recommended allowances have been addressed in Dr. Tan’s book, page no. 56, which includes certain conditions and the recommended dosage along with the pairing nutrients that can complement the effectiveness of tocotrienol as shown in the table given below :

Additionally, no specific dosage range is mentioned for immune system support, asthma & eye health. However, after a recommendation from the doctor, one can take it accordingly and can incorporate foods like Zinc, Vitamins B6, B12, C, D, Vitamin D & Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, Zinc for respective conditions. 

What are the Upper Tolerable Intake Levels of  Vitamin E tocotrienol?

Tocotrienol's maximum dose safety is still a topic of research. Still, research suggests tocotrienols are well tolerated at doses up to 1,600 mg per day. 

However, specific research also claims the safety of tocotrienol at a dose of up to 3200mg/day with no significant adverse effects. However, these are short-term trials, and further studies are required to prove the notion.                                                                     

Disclaimer: These findings are based on small-scale research studies, and further large-scale researches are necessary to confirm them. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement in your regimen. 

Studies have not uncovered any consistent, serious side effects associated with the use of tocotrienols. However, people should consult a healthcare professional before starting the supplementation.

A precautionary note: Individuals who have a history of allergic reactions towards vitamin E should avoid its usage. And others with preexisting conditions like diabetes or blood clotting disorders should discuss their medical history with a doctor. 

Final Takeaway for you!

Lastly, vitamin E tocotrienols may offer a wide range of benefits, from reducing oxidative stress to supporting brain function and cardiovascular health. Choosing the right tocotrienol dosage is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor supplements, so it is important to select reliable brands for the purity and quality of the supplement. 

Wellness Extract says that while Vitamin E Tocotrienol has shown immense potential for health, one should always approach it with a doctor’s guidance to tailor supplementation according to one's specific needs and ensure safety.

FAQ Section!

Q1. What do tocotrienols do for the body?

Tocotrienols help protect cells from oxidative stress, lower bad cholesterol, and support heart, bone, and skin health. 

Q2. Do Tocotrienols have any side effects?

Tocotrienol supplements (a dose of 200 mg daily for up to 5 years) are safe and well tolerated if taken under proper guidance. 

Q3. Will supplementing alpha-tocopherol interfere with tocotrienol?

Yes, alpha-tocopherol supplementation can interfere with tocotrienol absorption, but a daily diet provides enough (15 mg/day), so extra supplements aren’t needed.

Q4. Can I get enough tocotrienol from my diet?

No, a daily diet provides only 1-2% of the needed tocotrienol, making supplementation necessary for optimal health. However, consult a doctor before use.

Q5. When should I take tocotrienol?

Take tocotrienol with a meal, as it's better absorbed with fat.  300 mg can be taken per meal, but higher doses should be split across meals. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach.

Q6. Do I need to worry about dietary alpha-tocopherol?

NO. Dietary alpha-tocopherol doesn’t interfere with tocotrienol unless it exceeds 15% of total vitamin E.

Q7. Can I take DeltaGold® while on my prescriptions? 

There are no known contraindications for taking DeltaGold® with prescriptions, but consult a doctor before starting. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational or educational use only. It has only summarized what other clinical studies say. The proper tocotrienol dosage is still under investigation. Do not take any supplements without consulting your doctor.

Reference: 

1. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/vitamin-e-market

2. annatto_tocotrienols_.96_an_extensive_overview%20(1)%20(1).pdf 

3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-11813-w

4.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8472290/

5. https://americanrivernutrition.com/annatto-tocotrienol-improves-fatty-liver-and-hepatic-steatosis-in-patients-with-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld/

6. https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2015013285A2/en 

7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4939900/

8. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1522/tocotrienols

9. https://www.verywellhealth.com/tocotrienol-5093146 

10. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8953?af=R#:~:text=Assessment%20of%20'mixed%20tocopherols'%2C,EFSA%20AFC%20Panel%2C%202008).

11. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319689#side-effects-of-tocotrienols

12. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/23/4115