Did You Know?

Vitamin E Shows Immune-Boosting Potential

September 2010

Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, may promote healthy immune system function as we age, new data from Tufts University suggests. Daily supplements of a mixture of the four types of tocotrienols appeared to support healthy T cell function in old mice. "This is the first study, to our knowledge, reporting that tocotrienols enhance T cell function," wrote the researchers. There are eight forms of vitamin E: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The researchers said: "Tocotrienols have been viewed as "minor" forms of vitamin E because: (1) their natural sources are very limited and it is impractical to obtain a biologically meaningful amount by consuming whole foods; (2) their metabolic rate is poorly understood; (3) their negligible tissue concentrations disqualify them as a major dietary antioxidant; and (4) their biological effects have been much less demonstrated relative to their tocopherol cousins." The researchers added: "However, increasing evidence has suggested that tocotrienols have notably distinct biological properties not shared by the tocopherol family."

Journal of Nutrition Published online ahead of print.

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service