Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)

Proprietary Source

EVNol SupraBio™ by Excelvite extracted from sustainable Malaysian red palm fruit oil

Chemical Name

(2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(3E,7E)-4,8

Immune support

Tocotrienols improve cell-mediated immune response and are 40-60 times stronger antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol (regular vitamin E)

Other uses

Tocotrienols also seem to benefit people with a genetic disorder called familial dysautonomia by increasing levels of a certain protein in blood cells. Tocotrienols might lower cholesterol levels and provide heart health benefits. Nanomolar concentration prevents glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Slows down progression of white matter lesions. Attenuates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitigates liver stiffness, maintains healthy liver function, and maintains healthy lipid profile, cholesterol level. When it comes to heart health, tocotrienols can mitigate atherosclerosis in carotid stenosis, support arterial compliance, and work as potent antioxidants in preventing LDL oxidation. They also improve skin characteristics, surgical scar treatment, speed wound healing, and promote hair growth.

How it works

Tocotrienols exist in four different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols and seem to have many different effects in the body including causing an improved cell-mediated immune response and super vitamin E antioxidant effects.

Safety

Tocotrienols are safe when taken by mouth. Tocotrienols have been used safely in clinical trials at doses of up to 600 mg daily for 3 months. Tocotrienols have also been used safely at a dose of 200 mg daily for up to 5 years.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tocotrienols are safe when applied to the skin. In some people, tocotrienol cream can cause mild itching.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use tocotrienols when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes: Tocotrienols might lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely. If you have diabetes, it's best to check with your healthcare provider before starting tocotrienols.

Surgery: Tocotrienols might affect blood sugar levels, so there is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using tocotrienols at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions with medications

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Some research shows that tocotrienols might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. However, conflicting evidence exists. Until more is known, use cautiously in combination with antidiabetes drugs. In theory, taking tocotrienols along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely if you take tocotrienols. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Interactions with Herbs, Supplements, and Foods

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar

Tocotrienols might lower blood sugar. However, conflicting evidence exists. Until more is known, use cautiously in combination with other herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar. Using tocotrienols along with other herbs and supplements that have the same effect might cause blood sugar to drop too low in some people. Some of these products include devil's claw, fenugreek, guar gum, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and others.

There are no known interactions with foods.

References

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Elangovan, S., Hsieh, T. C., and Wu, J. M. Growth inhibition of human MDA-mB-231 breast cancer cells by delta-tocotrienol is associated with loss of cyclin D1/CDK4 expression and accompanying changes in the state of phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product. Anticancer Res 2008;28(5A):2641-2647.

Sun, W., Wang, Q., Chen, B., Liu, J., Liu, H., and Xu, W. Gamma-tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells is associated with a suppression in mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling. Br J Nutr 2008;99(6):1247-1254.

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Nesaretnam, K., Dorasamy, S., and Darbre, P. D. Tocotrienols inhibit growth of ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51 Suppl:S95-103.

Takahashi, K. and Loo, G. Disruption of mitochondria during tocotrienol-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2004;67(2):315-324.

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Naito, Y., Shimozawa, M., Kuroda, M., Nakabe, N., Manabe, H., Katada, K., Kokura, S., Ichikawa, H., Yoshida, N., Noguchi, N., and Yoshikawa, T. Tocotrienols reduce 25-hydroxycholesterol-induced monocyte-endothelial cell interaction by inhibiting the surface expression of adhesion molecules. Atherosclerosis 2005;180(1):19-25.

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Mustad, V. A., Smith, C. A., Ruey, P. P., Edens, N. K., and DeMichele, S. J. Supplementation with 3 compositionally different tocotrienol supplements does not improve cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women with hypercholesterolemia. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76(6):1237-1243.

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Shen CL, Wang S, Yang S, et al. A 12-week evaluation of annatto tocotrienol supplementation for postmenopausal women: safety, quality of life, body composition, physical activity, and nutrient intake. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018 Jun 28;18(1):198.

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