New Study Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Tocotrienols and Tocopherols: PhytoGaia Highlights the Importance of Full-Spectrum Tocotrienols/Tocopherol Complex.

Feb 18^th, 2025 – New York, USA – A recent study on delta-tocotrienol (δ-T3)¹ has revealed surprising findings that challenge conventional wisdom about the interaction between tocotrienols and tocopherols. While the study provides valuable insights, PhytoGaia, a leading supplier of natural full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex, emphasizes the importance of a balanced, full-spectrum approach to unlocking the full potential of tocotrienols.

Key Findings from the Study

1. Alpha-Tocopherol Increases Delta-Tocotrienol Absorption: Contrary to the long-held belief that alpha-tocopherol interferes with tocotrienol absorption, the study found that supplementing with 264 mg/day of d-alpha-tocopherol (equivalent to approximately 393 IU/day of natural alpha-tocopherol) alongside 250 mg/day of d-delta-tocotrienol, actually increased plasma delta-tocotrienol levels. This finding debunks a common misconception that alpha tocopherol reduces tocotrienol absorption and opens new avenues for research into the synergistic effects of tocotrienols and tocopherols.
2. Neutral Effects on Lipid Profiles: While supplementation with d-delta-tocotrienol alone showed a trend toward increasing HDL-C and decreasing triglyceride levels, the changes were not statistically significant.
3. Potential Benefits for Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: The study also found that 14 days of d-delta-tocotrienol intake (250 mg/day) together with 264 mg/day (393 IU/day) of d-alpha-tocopherol may lower oxidative stress markers and suppress inflammatory cytokines associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as resistin, IL-1α, IL-12, FGF-b, and PDGF.

PhytoGaia’s Perspective: The Power of Full-Spectrum Tocotrienols/Tocopherol Complex

While this study offers valuable insights into d-delta-tocotrienol supplementation, the findings reinforce PhytoGaia’s strong advocacy for a full-spectrum approach – one that harnesses the synergistic benefits of all four tocotrienol isoforms (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) along with tocopherols in their natural ratio.

According to Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia, “Each individual tocotrienol—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta has its own unique biological activity and health benefits. For instance, alpha-tocotrienol, as reported in NIH-funded studies, is the most neuroprotective tocotrienol, while gamma-tocotrienol has shown strong cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Delta-tocotrienol on the other hand has shown promising results for various cancer tumour markers. This is why a full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex in its natural ratio, as found in TocoGaia^® (which is naturally extracted from palm fruits), is essential to harnessing the synergistic benefits of all isoforms as in a complex, rather than relying on a single isomer.”

Dr. Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist of PhytoGaia, added, “The discovery that alpha-tocopherol can indeed increase delta-tocotrienol absorption, challenges the long-held misconception and underscores the importance of a balanced formulation – with both tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherol as what natures intended. At PhytoGaia, we have always championed the synergy between tocotrienols and tocopherols as a complete complex, and this study further reinforces the need for a holistic approach to tocotrienol research and formulations.”

A Lesson from Beta-Carotene: The Importance of Multi-Isomer Formulations

Scientific history has demonstrated that isolated single nutrient supplementation can sometimes yield unintended consequences. A well-documented example is the beta-carotene supplementation trials in smokers, which unexpectedly increased lung cancer risk². This underscores the potential dangers of relying on a single isomer rather than a comprehensive, multi-carotenoid approach.

“Just as beta-carotene supplementation proved problematic in smokers, we must exercise caution when formulating with isolated tocotrienols,” warns Bryan. “A full-spectrum formulation, such as TocoGaia^®, aligns with nature’s design—delivering the complete range of tocotrienols and tocopherols in their natural ratio to ensure both optimal efficacy and safety.”

Why TocoGaia^® Stands Out

• Most Clinically Researched Tocotrienols: Among the current 3 primary commercial sources of tocotrienols (palm, rice and annatto), palm tocotrienols/tocopherol complex is most clinically-researched tocotrienol, with multiple human clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in supporting heart health³, reducing oxidative stress⁴, liver health⁵, oral beauty⁶ and brain protection⁷.
• Natural and Clean: TocoGaia^® is naturally extracted from sustainably-sourced palm fruits using a non-solvent and non-chemical extraction and concentration process, thereby ensuring a clean and natural product that meets the highest quality standards, which are unmatched by any other tocotrienol producers in the market.

This groundbreaking study redefines our understanding of tocotrienols and tocopherols interaction, reaffirming the importance of a balanced, full-spectrum tocotrienols/tocopherol complex in its natural ratio, as what nature intended.  

References:

1. Serizawa N, et al. Short-term intake of delta-tocotrienol on lipid profiles in healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2025 Jan;76(1):3-7.
2. Kordiak J, et al. Role of Beta-Carotene in Lung Cancer Primary Chemoprevention: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. 2022 Mar 24;14(7):1361.
3. Daud ZA, et al. Vitamin E tocotrienol supplementation improves lipid profiles in chronic hemodialysis patients. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2013; 9:747-61.
4. Chin SF, et al. Reduction of DNA damage in older healthy adults by Tri E Tocotrienol supplementation. Nutr. 2008 Jan;24(1):1-10.
5. Magosso E, et al. Tocotrienols for normalisation of hepatic echogenic response in nonalcoholic fatty liver: a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial. 2013 Dec 27;12(1):166.
6. Beoy LA, et al. Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Trop Life Sci Res. 2010 Dec;21(2):91-9.
7. Sen CK, et al. Molecular basis of vitamin E action. Tocotrienol potently inhibits glutamate-induced pp60(c-Src) kinase activation and death of HT4 neuronal cells. J Biol Chem. 2000 Apr 28;275(17):13049-55.