What are tocotrienols?
Tocotrienols are members of the Vitamin E family comprising of Tocotrienols and Tocopherols. Tocotrienols have similar structure to tocopherols (Alpha-Tocopherol as the most common Vitamin E in the market), but contain three double bonds in the carbon side chain of the molecule. The Vitamin E family is comprised of eight different compounds: alpha, beta, gamma and delta- tocotrienols and tocopherols.

Where do tocotrienols come from?
Tocotrienols are present in some plants. They are found mostly in palm oil extracted from palm fruits. Other sources are rice, wheat germ, oat and barley.

What is the difference between tocotrienols 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 are the proven benefits of tocotrienols?

Palm based tocotrienols have been shown to have the ability to reverse arteriosclerosis. Palm based tocotrienols have the ability to reverse blockage of the carotid artery and hence, reduce the risk of stroke and arteriosclerosis. Tocotrienols have been shown by human and animal studies to have the ability to reduce the production of total serum cholesterols. They inhibit the enzyme HMG-Co A Reductase in the liver that is responsible for the production of cholesterols. Tocopherols have no effect on serum cholesterol. Tocotrienols are very much more potent antioxidant than tocopherols. It has been shown by published research paper that alpha-tocotrienol is 40-60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol in the prevention of lipid peroxidation. Delta-tocotrienol is the most potent of all the commercially available tocotrienols. Tocotrienol is an effective natural agent to prevent increased in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. It also enhanced total antioxidant status in plasma and blood vessels. Tocotrienols especially delta and gamma-tocotrienols have been shown to inhibit certain type of cancers especially human breast cancer cells. Palm based tocotrienols have been shown by four different research centers in the world to have the ability to inhibit both the estrogen positive and estrogen negative breast cancer cells. In those studies, alpha tocopherol has no effect at all on human breast cancer cells.  Palm based tocotrienols have been proven to inhibit platelet aggregation. Alpha tocopherol does not. Tocotrienols, with their unsaturated side chain, allow them to pass through the membrane bi-layer (mainly made up of unsaturated fatty acid) in a more efficient manner and faster rate compared to the all saturated tocopherol. Hence facilitating the absorption of tocotrienols. Palm based tocotrienols have also been shown to be effective in preventing protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation after a strenuous bout of exercise. Athletes especially body builders and sprinters generate tremendous amount of free radicals in their body. Hence, tocotrienols being a very potent antioxidant and vitamin E, protects athletes and body builders against protein and lipid peroxidation.

How are tocotrienols absorbed in the body?
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.

Who should take tocotrienols?
Everyone. Research has shown tocotrienols to actively lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood from clotting, having anti-cancer activity and anti-tumour qualities. People looking for an effective antioxidant should take tocotrienols. It is wise to begin tocotrienols supplementation in young adulthood and continue throughout one's life.

Are tocotrienols safe?
Toxicological and pharmacological studies showed that supplementation with palm based tocotrienols up to 2500mg per day per kilogram of body did not produce any significant side effects. Tocotrienols are natural compound found in various food and oils such as palm olein, rice bran oil, wheat germ, barley, etc. There are vitamin E and one may be taking tocotrienols through these normal foods without even realizing it.