Vitamin E- Tocols - are the agents in the organism to neutralize footer such as the occurring molecular fragments (free radicals). As mentioned above, tocotrienols are by far the most active versions of these to cover all types and locations in the cells. In contrast, the tocopherols are longer lasting but much weaker in effect.
Vitamin E is absolutely necessary for some functions, that's why it's called a vitamin. It was discovered when it could restore the fertility of animals. Other body cells are also protected by Tocols, e.g. skin and brain cells.
It therefore makes sense to have a sufficient amount of vitamin E in the body, because a molecule fragment causes a chain reaction that is only stopped by a vitamin E molecule. And it doesn't matter what type of "Vitamin E" is, because there are currently 8 effective variants in nature. Here we report on the most active ones, the Tocotrienols.
Tocotrienols are forms of vitamin E - with some special features:
- In living organisms on the cell membrane they are a 40-60 times more effective antioxidant than the same amount of alpha-tocopherol.
- They can distribute more quickly in the body.
- They are very well absorbed through the skin.
- Many research findings describe amazing health benefits of tocotrienols in the areas of anti-inflammatory, heart/circulatory diseases and cancer.
Role of vitamin E in general
The effect of vitamin E is described as:
- "makes you look younger" because it delays cell aging caused by oxidation
- protects the lungs, especially in air pollution
- prevents ugly scarring (used internally and externally)
- reduces states of exhaustion
- improved healing after burns
- prevents blood clotting
- helps with fertility disorders
- helps against cramps
The antioxidant vitamin E
Living body cells are constantly exposed to attack by so-called “free radicals”. Free radicals can destroy the enzymes, membranes and genetic material necessary for life processes through oxidation.
This is of course dangerous for the life of the cells. Caused by free radicals
- Cancer, as genetic material can also be modified
- Cancer, as defense mechanisms of the immune system are hindered
- Arteriosclerosis, due to oxidation of cholesterol
- premature aging and death of cells
Comparison of tocotrienols versus the other forms of vitamin E
- As an antioxidant, tocotrienols are up to 60 times more effective than the other forms of vitamin E
- The body can only store alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienols have a short half-life of 1-3 days. They must therefore be consumed regularly as normal alpha-tocopherol
- tocotrienols are significantly more mobile than tocopherols. They also distribute independently in the body and do not rely on the vitamin E transport protein (aTPP).
- Tocotrienols have the ability to work very wellskinatodrink (better than tocopherol).
- Tocotrienolsn have been proven to have properties that go beyond the antioxidant effect and the "normal" vitamin E effect. These include, for example, the ability to lower cholesterol and the ability to induce apoptosis of cancer cells.
Comparison of natural vitamin E versus synthetic alpha-tocopherol
Cosmetic products and nutritional supplements and vitamin pills usually contain synthetically produced alpha-tocopherol. However, this has serious disadvantages compared to natural sources of vitamin E.
- Synthetic vitamin E is usually produced in the form of vitamin E acetate. This is much less bioavailable.
- synthetic tocopherol acetate even ka antioxidant properties. It only gets this when it is converted into active tocopherol in the body. This only happens with a maximum of 50% of the amount. In cosmetic products, the availability of synthetic vitamin E is only 10%.
- Natural vitamin E consists of a mixture of all variants (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). These variants are widespread in nature and have different specializations.
While the body can only store alpha-tocopherol, the other variants must be consumed regularly with the food (or through the skin) in order to achieve the specialized effect. - The use of only synthetic alpha-tocopherol has recently been found to be potentially harmful in trials in smokers
Vitamin E supply
In recent years, the DGE (German Society for Nutrition) has increased the recommendations for the daily intake of antioxidants (vitamin E and vitamin C).
For the reasons mentioned above, the best vitamin E supply and the best protection against free radicals are provided by the supply of natural vitamin E. Best with the highest possible proportion of tocotrienols.
Occurrence of tocotrienols
That obtained from the fruits of tropical palm trees red palm oil As a good natural source, it contains large amounts of tocotrienolsn. Presumably to counteract the great oxidative stress on the fruits in the tropical sun. Klae amounts are also contained in rice oil, oat oil and other oils and seeds (see a list).