Nature's Way Vitamin E Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols
What are they?
Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family. Like vitamin E, tocotrienols are potent antioxidants against lipid peroxidation (the damaging of fats by oxidation). They are derived from fruits of palm and contains all four isomers which have been shown to support healthy low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels, which supports cardiovasculare health.

Human studies indicate that, in addition to their antioxidant activity, tocotrienols have other important functions, especially in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Test tube and animal studies indicate a possible role for tocotrienols in protecting against cancer (particularly breast and skin cancer).

Like Vitamin E, Tocotrienols may offer protection against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) by preventing oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol (oxidation of LDL cholesterol is believed to be one of the triggering factors for atherosclerosis).

Vitamin-E is a potent antioxidant necessary in human nutrition. Antioxidants help combat free radicals and oxidants - molecules which damage fats and cells. Vitamin-E helps prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Nature's Way Vitamin-E is 100% natural d-alpha tocopherol from purified soy oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Natural E is 3 times more bioavailable (able to be used by the body) than synthetic E!

Alpha-tocopherol
The main function of alpha-tocopherol in humans appears to be that of an antioxidant. Free radicals are formed primarily in the body during normal metabolism and also upon exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or pollutants. Fats, which are an integral part of all cell membranes, are vulnerable to destruction through oxidation by free radicals. The fat-soluble vitamin, alpha-tocopherol, is uniquely suited to intercepting free radicals and preventing a chain reaction of lipid destruction. Aside from maintaining the integrity of cell membranes throughout the body, alpha-tocopherol also protects the fats in low density lipoproteins (LDLs) from oxidation. Lipoproteins are particles composed of lipids and proteins, which are able to transport fats through the blood stream. LDL transport cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. Oxidized LDLs have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases. When a molecule of alpha-tocopherol neutralizes a free radical, it is altered in such a way that its antioxidant capacity is lost. However, other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are capable of regenerating the antioxidant capacity of alpha-tocopherol.

Several other functions of alpha-tocopherol have been identified, which likely are not related to its antioxidant capacity. Alpha-tocopherol is known to inhibit the actvity of protein kinase C, an important cell signaling molecule, as well as to affect the expression and activity of immune and inflammatory cells. Additionally, alpha-tocopherol has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and to enhance vasodilation. *