Vitamin E is an important nutrient for our health that performs several functions in the body. Among other things, vitamin E is known to help protect cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin E is produced naturally in plants. But did you know that vitamin E is not just one compound, but rather a group of eight different molecules? There are four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol). Alpha- and gamma-tocopherol are the most frequently produced forms of vitamin E. The two groups tocopherols (TP) and tocotrienols (TT) have the same basic structure but differ in their side chains. Thus, both have a similar structure, but also some differences that affect their effect.
We at EnergyBalance® want to tell you about these two forms of vitamin E and why you should include both in your diet.
Tocopherols (TP) are the best known and most common forms of vitamin E. They have a saturated side chain and are divided into four variants: α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol. They act as antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals that can be caused by environmental factors or metabolic processes. Tocopherols are also important for the function of the immune system, blood clotting, cell division and signal transmission. Tocopherols are found in many plant foods, such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and whole grain products.
Tocotrienols (TT) are the lesser known and rarer forms of vitamin E. They have an unsaturated side chain with three double bonds and are also divided into four variants: α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienol. They have a stronger antioxidant effect than tocopherols and can also penetrate the cell membranes and protect them from oxidation. Similar to tocopherols, tocotrienols act as antioxidants, but also have some other functions that are not present in tocopherols. For example, they are said to inhibit cholesterol synthesis, modulate the inflammatory response and promote cell differentiation. Tocotrienols have a lower vitamin E activity than tocopherols, but a higher biological activity. Tocotrienols are found in a few plant foods only, such as palm oil, rice bran oil, barley oil, wheat germ oil and annatto (the red-yellow seeds of the orlean shrub).
Metaphorically speaking, tocopherol can be described as a rock in the surf, it works stationary in a membrane and stays there. Tocotrienols, on the other hand, are as flexible and lively as mermaids swimming from one grotto to the next, moving in and out of cell membranes and even penetrating other cell membranes. The effect: The alpha compounds of tocotrienols have a 40 to 60 times greater effect than alpha-tocopherols.
Tocopherols and tocotrienols therefore have different properties and benefits for our health. For this reason, it is important to consume both forms of vitamin E in sufficient quantities. As tocotrienols are rarely found in food, it can be useful to use a dietary supplement that contains both forms of vitamin E. This way you can ensure that you can benefit from all the positive effects of vitamin E. Most vitamin E supplements contain mainly α-tocopherol, the alpha form of tocopherols, which is considered the standard for vitamin E activity. Tocotrienols Tocopherol Vitamin E from EnergyBalance®, on the other hand, contains a tocotrienol-tocopherol complex from natural sources - the alpha, beta, gamma and delta forms of tocotrienol and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E - and is therefore effective across a broader spectrum in combating oxidative stress. Our high-quality and purely plant-based food supplement therefore can help you to optimize your vitamin E supply.