What is the difference between Vitamin E and Tocotrienols?
Eight different compounds, 4 tocopherols (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma tocopherols) and 4 tocotrienols (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma tocotrienols) make up the vitamin E family. These eight members have some functions that are similar (both provide powerful antioxidant activity) and some functions that are different (vitamin E plays a crucial role in the cellular respiration of cardiac muscles, while tocotrienols maintain healthy lipid metabolism). Up until recently, d-alpha tocopherol is the member of this family most associated with vitamin E. This is mostly due to the fact that it is the most abundant form. Now, the other forms of tocopherol are receiving attention in addition to the tocotrienol members of the family, especially gamma tocotrienol.
