Vitamin E does not make a lot of waves in the current landscape of nutrition trends, dominated by exotic superfoods and antioxidants. As one of the essential fat soluble vitamins, it is often taken for granted. Deficiency in the developed world is rare among healthy adults, and common foods like wheat germ, almonds and sunflower seeds can cover the majority of daily requirements.
Supplementation can be useful, though, for those with conditions like Crohn’s, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, and other causes of fat malabsorption. It may also be beneficial in a non-deficiency role as well for cholesterol balance, antioxidant support, skin and eye health, and more.
There is reason for renewed interest in Vitamin E now, as research in the last decade has given us a better understanding of its chemical makeup. Vitamin E has a related family of compounds, mainly two groups called tocopherols and tocotrienols, with a variety of ratios of the two naturally occurring in foods. For several years, the most common forms of the supplement came as d-alpha tocopherol from soy or the synthetic version, dl-alpha tocopherol. Much of the older research was done on this form, as well as the more recent findings that taking beyond 400 I.U. daily correlated with increased risk for some illnesses.
Presently, much of the new attention and interest in Vitamin E goes to tocotrienols, as well as their relationship with d-alpha-tocopherol. As it turns out, tocotrienols, in particular delta and gamma tocotrienols, have much higher antioxidant capacity, anywhere from 3-50 times that of tocopherols. However, d-alpha and dl-alpha tocopherols must be below 15% of the total formula to not interfere with the uptake and utilization of delta and gamma tocotrienols.
A New Era Vitamin E
This month’s featured product fits the profile for a better Vitamin E. Designs for Health’s Annatto-E is entirely made up of the powerful antioxidants gamma and delta tocotrienols. Annatto is an all-natural food coloring and condiment that comes from the Achiote tree. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E, with the high amounts of delta and gamma tocotrienols and low alpha tocopherol.
The latest studies into Vitamin E family suggest that delta and gamma tocotrienols have the strongest potential impact on cholesterol control, protection against free radical damage, eye, bone and skin health, and even chronic inflammation. With a low ratio of alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienols can absorb better and play their protective role inside cell membranes throughout the body. With the antioxidant power as much as 50 times more potent than tocopherols, Designs for Health Annatto-E is a next generation Vitamin E with serious anti-aging potential.
Annatto-E comes in easy-to-swallow 150 and 300 mg softgels. Taking with a meal improves absorption, like most fat soluble nutrients. As always, consult with your physician when adding supplements to your regimen. There are some conditions where supplemental Vitamin E is not appropriate, and high doses aren’t always better than low doses.
Further Reading
- Vitamin E: A Closer Look at Tocotrienols, Barrie Tan, Nutritional Outlet, Volume 20, Oct 17, 2017
- Vitamin E Deficiency, Kemnic TR, Coleman M. [Updated 2019 Feb 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
