While most people are familiar with vitamin E, few realize that tocopherols and tocotrienols are lesser-known yet significant members of the E family, recognized for their comprehensive antioxidant properties. These vitamin E compounds play a pivotal role in promoting peak health, offering a diverse range of benefits, from skin nourishment to cellular protection.
Typical vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol, the most popular member of the family. The full family includes eight compounds: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. These fat-soluble nutrients share a similar structure but have a slightly different arrangement, providing unique characteristics and important differences in terms of functionality. When combined, they work together synergistically and provide the full spectrum of vitamin E’s benefits.
6 Health Benefits of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
- Antioxidant Powerhouses
These compounds act as scavengers of free radicals, unstable molecules that can wreak havoc in the body by causing oxidative stress. Neutralizing free radicals is an essential part of maintaining whole-body health. For example, tocopherols and tocotrienols shield cell membranes from oxidative damage, preserving the integrity and functionality of cells throughout the body.
2. Skin Nourishment
Vitamin E, and the whole family of tocopherols, are renowned for their role in skin health. They promote hydration and wound healing, modulate inflammation, and protect against UV-induced damage.
3. Heart Health
Tocotrienols have shown promise in promoting heart health via several mechanisms. They support healthy cholesterol levels and healthy blood flow. Tocotrienols have also been found to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, another important risk factor in cardiovascular disease.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Tocotrienols exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the management and prevention of chronic inflammatory conditions. Tocopherols, specifically metabolites of alpha-tocopherol, modulate inflammation response through inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 expression.
5. Bone Benefits
Tocotrienols support greater bone density and help inhibit bone loss. With their double bonds in their side chains, they support bone strength by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1 and IL6 that accelerate bone resorption. Additionally, as oxidative stress exacerbates the resorption process, tocotrienols’ antioxidant action helps reduce free radicals that lead to death of the bone-building osteoblasts.
6. Neuroprotection /Healthy Cognitive Function
Research suggests that tocopherols may promote neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain. Neurogenesis is essential for maintaining cognitive function and repairing damaged brain tissue. In addition to promoting neuroprotection through their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, by preserving the integrity of neurons and supporting their function, tocopherols and tocotrienols help maintain healthy brain function and may slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline.
Mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols help defend against multiple risk factors and contribute to optimal health and overall well-being. While most adults in the United States are not severely deficient in vitamin E, many people are vitamin E insufficient. Obtaining adequate amounts of the spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols from our daily diet can be challenging, especially for those with malabsorption issues. Supplementation can help ensure that the body receives an optimal and consistent amount of these valuable therapeutic nutrients.