Tocotrienols Protect Against DNA Damage

November 29, 2007

Posted by Carey Rossi

You probably think that vitamin E is just vitamin E; but you may be surprised to know that there are eight forms of this powerful antioxidant. There are four tocopherols, which are labeled with the prefixes: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. The other four are tocotrienols, which also carry the alpha, beta, gamma and delta prefixes. For instance, you may see alpha-tocopherol listed on your multivitamin label.

Recently, the lesser-studied tocotrienols have been found to reduce DNA damage, particularly in older adults. Damage to DNA, caused by the presence of free radicals, can impair the cell’s ability to repair itself, which may ultimately lead to cancer or other aging-related diseases.

64 participants between the ages of 37 and 78 were randomly assigned to receive 160 mg of a tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supplement daily. The supplement contained all four tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol in a ratio of about 3:1. After three and six months of supplementation, researchers reported that the white blood cells from those consuming the tocotrienol-rich supplement had sustained significantly less damage to their DNA than those who were not taking the supplement. Significant reductions in oxidative stress markers were also observed in the supplementation group.

This is especially important since the body’s mechanism of protection is the ability to reduce free radicals. It appears that tocotrienols enhance this ability.

What does this mean? A vitamin E supplement which provides tocotrienols as well as tocopherols may offer the greatest benefit. Tocotrienols are also concentrated vegetable oils, rice bran, oats, barley and other cereal grains.

Source: Chin, S. –F., et al. “Reduction of DNA damage in older healthy adults by Tri E Tocotrienol supplementation.” Nutrition. Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2007.08.006