What is the difference between tocotrienol and tocopherol?

Tocotrienols have been found to be chemically different from
tocopherols. The difference between tocotrienols and tocopherols are at the tail. Tocotrienols have 3 double bonds at the tail whereas tocopherol has none. This difference in structure shows that tocotrienols and tocopherols work differently in our bodies. When found in nature, all 8 forms are available, yet most of the vitamin E supplements sold commercially to date contains one major form of vitamin
E, which is alpha-tocopherol.
 

What is the difference between natural and synthetic forms of Vitamin E?

Chemically-synthesised vitamin E is labelled as "dl-" (for example, dl-alpha-tocopherol) while naturally-derived vitamin E is labelled "d-" (for example d-alpha-tocopherol). The synthetic form has only half the activity (biologically available) compared to the natural form. The reason for this is because when compounds are synthesised, left and right versions of the same compound are formed. Like a reflection in the mirror, it is the same in structure but laterally inverted. Chemically synthesised vitamin E produces roughly half the amount of both normal and laterally inverted compounds, therefore the bioavailability is said to be half as much as the natural form due to the fact that half of the stereoisomers of synthetic alpha-tocopherol are not maintained in human
plasma and hence the lack of bioavailability.
 

What are the benefits of Tocotrienols?

Since vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, once absorbed, it is stored mainly in the fatty (adipose) tissues, the liver and in muscles. The principal role of vitamin E is as a powerful antioxidant, protecting body cells from the detrimental effects of free radicals and protecting unsaturated lipids against oxidation. Vitamin E is also vital in supporting the immune system, prolonging the life of red blood cells, helping the body make the best use of vitamin A, protecting body membranes and reproduction. Vitamin E supports overall cardiovascular and circulatory health, it lessens the severity of many symptoms of atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of a patient's second heart attack.

Studies have been conducted to examine the affect between these differences on the human body. The double bonds in tocotrienols increases fluidity, making it easier for the body to incorporate them into cell membranes. Tocotrienols were found to have more effect than tocopherols in its antioxidant, anticancer, cholesterol lowering effects and as well as higher reduced risk in cardiovascular disease.

Emerging Research on Tocotrienols has shown that it may help prevent cardiovascular disease and lead to a decreased risk of prostate, breast and colon cancers. It is believed that antioxidants such as Tocotrienols reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because they help protect cell membranes from free radicals (a byproduct of cellular metabolism) by binding free radicals before they can do damage to the cell.

With cancer, Tocotrienols protects against the effects of carcinogens, suppress tumor growth and reduce the toxicity of several anticancer therapies. In chemotherapy, the prescribed therapy kills cancer cells but also harms healthy human cells as well. Studies have shown that tocotrienols are able to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and also lessen the harm done to healthy cells, tocotrienols are recommended as a form of additional therapy together with chemotherapy.

How much Tocotrienol supplementation should I take?

Tocotrienols are very safe. Toxicity is unlikely, since excess amounts of Vitamin E are usually eliminated by our body. Toxicological studies show that supplementation with Tocotrienols up to 2,500 mg/day per kg of body weight does not result in significant side effects. A normal dosage does not require anything close to this amount. Although higher dosage levels can be applied for therapeutic purpose, those who want to enhance their antioxidant intake need only a daily dosage of approx. 30 to 50 mg of Tocotrienols.