Tocopherols
The four tocopherols the side chain is saturated.There are many biological functions of tocopherol, and the different forms do not have the same relative activities for each function. .Alpha-tocopherol's major chore is to neutralize the effects of reactive oxygen in your body. Gamma-tocopherol's main job is to neutralize reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen. It also has higher antioxidant activity than alpha-tocopherol. Gamma-tocopherol complements the activity of alpha-tocopherol.alpha- and gamma tocopherols work in coordination with each other. Alpha-tocopherol's particular specialty is protecting your cells against the ravages of reactive oxygen. It is the main player in protecting your cell membranes against free radicals. Gamma-tocopherol attacks and neutralizes both reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen. It forms a second line of defense against attacks on cell membranes. But it also protects NO from becoming cancer-causing nitrites and nitrates—something alpha-tocopherol does not do.
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Tocotrienols
The four tocotrienols the side chain contains three double-bonds, all of which adjoin a methyl group.research on the tocotrienols is increasing and showing their importance in maintaining good health. For instance, research indicates that tocotrienols can clear atherosclerotic blockage in the carotid artery, a condition that can lead to stroke. Cholesterol levels have also been lowered by the tocotrienol fraction of Vitamin E. Tocotrienols are showing promise in the battle against cancer. Tests show tocotrienols have the ability to kill cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death (known as apoptosis). While doing this, it leaves healthy cells alone.
Human breast cancer cells have also responded positively to tocotrienol treatment as noted in a study of cancer cells in culture whose growth was inhibited |
Isomers in Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains a family of eight different stereo isomers that have different biological activities and delivers different therapeutic benefits. For example, tocotrienols have been known through animal studies to process antioxidant activity 40 times greater than tocopherols. But tocopherols have been known to fight against heart disease. The combination of both isomers in the vitamin is recommended because of the two benefiting factors that studies show.
Watson, Ronald R., and Victor R. Preedy. Tocotrienols: Vitamin E beyond Tocopherols. Boca Raton: CRC, 2009. Print.Robinson. Maggie Greenwood. "The generation of Vitamin E." Isomer. 2003.
"Vitamin E: The Misundrstood Vitamin." Paul Hrkalnd. Paul Hrkland, 16 May 2013. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.
"Tocotrienols: The Emerging Face of Natural Vitamin E." Pubmed.gov. Roy S., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.
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