Vitamin E has been criticized recently, with many studies suggesting it may even cause harm to your health, rather than provide positive benefits. These studies, however, may be misguided and outdated, and I would like to show you the power of naturally-occurring vitamin E and its incredible compounds.
In its natural form, vitamin E consists of eight fat-soluble vitamers, including four tocopherol and four tocotrienol compounds. Each of these vitamers has varying levels of biological and antioxidant activity. However, prior to 2006, vitamin E supplements only contained one compound: alpha-tocopherol. At the time, it was believed to be the most biologically active and essential for human health.
Consequently, less than 1 percent of all research into vitamin E had been conducted on other forms such as tocotrienols. The current National Institutes of Health (NIH) website for healthcare professionals still contains the outdated information that “alpha-tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements.”
However, in March 2006, researchers discovered that tocotrienols have even more powerful and essential health effects than alpha-tocopherol. These health benefits stem from antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in various forms of vitamin E, such as gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocotrienol.
Naturally sourced vitamin E is known as d-alpha-tocopherol, while the synthetically produced variation is d-l-alpha-tocopherol. Research has consistently shown that natural vitamin E is far superior. However, many studies never differentiate between natural and synthetic types.
Both animal and human studies have proven the anti-inflammatory effects of tocotrienols, offering protection against various nerve and brain diseases, cancer, and high cholesterol.
The Vitamin E You May Not Know: Tocopherols and Tocotrienols
Switching from synthetic alpha-tocopherol to mixed tocopherols for their superior health effects is a wise choice. A generous 250 softgel supply at a 400 IU dose can be purchased for around $15. It is essential to remember that vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it’s best to consume it with food or a small amount of olive oil.
Ideally, a mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols supplement would offer the greatest benefits. However, these products come with a steeper price tag. Trusted brands providing a combination of tocopherols and tocotrienols might sell 120 softgels at around 970 IU strength for about $50 or more. This price reflects the cost of obtaining natural gamma and delta tocotrienol forms.
Wrapping Up
In summary, it is essential to look for natural forms of vitamin E, ideally consisting of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols. Providing powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, these compounds protect against numerous chronic diseases, including brain and nerve conditions, cancer, and high cholesterol. Forget the outdated research claiming vitamin E’s potential detrimental effects – it’s all about understanding the right kind of vitamin E and its incredible health benefits.
