A new study has found that alpha-tocopherols can enhance the absorption of delta-tocotrienols.
Notably, consuming 264mg/day of alpha-tocopherol with 250mg/day of delta-tocotrienol enhanced delta-tocotrienol levels — debunking the common myth that alpha tocotrienols reduce the latter's absorption.
This finding challenges the conventional understanding of the two bioactive's interactions, and supports the need for a balanced, full-spectrum approach to tocotrienol supplementation.
Reducing inflammation
As well as boosting absorption, the synergistic supplementation of alpha-tocopherols with delta-tocotrienols resulted in a reduction in markers of oxidative stress, as well as cardiovascular disease-associated inflammatory cytokines.
This includes resistin, IL-1α, IL-12, FGF-b, and PDGF.
14 days of supplementation with the pair also exhibited a trend towards an improved blood lipid profile — with participants experiencing an increase in HDL-C and a decrease in triglyceride levels; though this was not significant.
These findings highlight the synergistic potential of alpha-tocopherols and delta-tocotrienols in supporting inflammation and metabolic health, though further studies will have to be conducted to confirm this.
The power of the tocotrienols/tocopherol complex
While this study offers valuable insights into d-delta-tocotrienol supplementation, the findings reinforce PhytoGaia’s strong advocacy for a full-spectrum approach - one that harnesses the synergistic benefits of all four tocotrienol isoforms (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) along with tocopherols in their natural ratio.
"Each individual tocotrienol—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta has its own unique biological activity and health benefits," notes Bryan See, VP of PhytoGaia.
"For instance, alpha-tocotrienol, as reported in NIH-funded studies, is the most neuroprotective tocotrienol, while gamma-tocotrienol has shown strong cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Delta-tocotrienol on the other hand has shown promising results for various cancer tumour markers."
"This is why a full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex in its natural ratio, as found in TocoGaia (which is naturally extracted from palm fruits), is essential to harnessing the synergistic benefits of all isoforms as in a complex, rather than relying on a single isomer,” he adds.
Dr Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist of PhytoGaia, states: “The discovery that alpha-tocopherol can indeed increase delta-tocotrienol absorption, challenges the long-held misconception and underscores the importance of a balanced formulation – with both tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol as what natures intended."
A lesson from beta-carotene
Scientific history has demonstrated that isolated single nutrient supplementation can sometimes yield unintended consequences.
A notable example of this is beta-carotene suppementation in smokers — which elevated the group's risk of developing lung cancer.
Therefore, relying on a single isomer could be risky, and PhytoGaia proposes that brands take a multi-carotenoid approach.
"Just as beta-carotene supplementation proved problematic in smokers, we must exercise caution when formulating with isolated tocotrienols," warns Bryan.
"A full-spectrum formulation, such as TocoGaia, aligns with nature’s design—delivering the complete range of tocotrienols and tocopherols in their natural ratio to ensure both optimal efficacy and safety.”
Why TocoGaia stands out
- Most clinically researched tocotrienols: Among the current 3 primary commercial sources of tocotrienols (palm, rice and annatto), palm tocotrienols/tocopherol complex is most clinically-researched tocotrienol, with multiple human clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in supporting heart health, reducing oxidative stress4, liver health, oral beauty and brain protection.
- Natural and clean: TocoGaia is naturally extracted from sustainably-sourced palm fruits using a non-solvent and non-chemical extraction and concentration process, thereby ensuring a clean and natural product that meets the highest quality standards, which are unmatched by any other tocotrienol producers in the market.
