Tocotrienols - Comparison of Tocotrienol and Tocopherol

Comparison of Tocotrienol and Tocopherol

Tocotrienols are forms of natural vitamin E that can protect against brain cell damage, prevent cancer and reduce cholesterol. These biological characteristics, however, are not present in tocopherols.

Since the 1980s, there have been more studies proving tocotrienols are more potent in their anti-oxidation and anti-cancer effect than the common forms of tocopherol due their chemical structure. The unsaturated side-chain in tocotrienols causes them to penetrate tissues with saturated fatty layers more efficiently, making them ideal for anti-aging oral supplements and the skincare range. Tocotrienols are better able than tocopherols at combating oxidative stress of skin that had been exposed to UV rays of the sunlight.

Vitamin E has long been known for its antioxidative properties against lipid peroxidation in biological membranes and alpha-tocopherol is considered to be the most active form. In vivo, tocotrienols are more powerful antioxidants, and lipid ORAC values are highest for δ-tocotrienol. Since 2000, scientists have suggested tocotrienols are better antioxidants than tocopherols at preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. From the pharmacological standpoint, current formulation of vitamin E supplements, composed mainly of alpha- tocopherol, seems questionable.