Since its discovery, annatto tocotrienol has been praised for the absence of tocopherols in its make-up as many studies have shown they interfere with the functions and benefits of tocotrienols. By definition, “tocopherol-free” is the amount found to be below the measurable limit of alpha-tocopherol by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, which is less than 0.1%.
Both palm and rice sources have high tocotrienol and tocopherol composition; however, only the annatto plant boasts a pure naturally derived source of vitamin E tocotrienols.
Many antioxidants exist in nature, including lycopene, CoQ10, and lutein. However, vitamin E has proven to be highly effective and uniquely equipped to penetrate and reside within the cell membrane, unlike many other water-soluble antioxidants. Aside from being 50 times more effective than tocopherols at protecting cell membranes, tocotrienols can safeguard the composition of essential fats found in foods and supplements like omega-3s.
Above all isomers, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol were found to have the greatest antioxidant properties. Their antioxidant attributes are determined by their ability to limit fat oxidation and combat radical oxygen species production. Interestingly, in vitamin E mixtures containing both tocotrienols and tocopherols, a higher concentration of alpha-tocopherol was associated with lower antioxidant activity.
Previously, alpha-tocopherol had been widely studied for its efficacy in combating free radicals associated with aging and disease. Although the tocopherol family has been widely accepted for their healthy attributes, new and innovative research has highlighted the potential of tocotrienols as more dominant promoters of overall wellbeing. Already, studies have illuminated the numerous health benefits associated with tocotrienol supplementation, including natural boosts to bone, skin, metabolic, cellular, and even cardiovascular health.
Unfortunately, the lack of nutrition associated with the American diet has increased the prevalence of pharmaceutical strategies to combat growing incidences of disease. The rising trend of adverse health effects associated with these drugs has leading health specialists investigating opportunities to incorporate more natural remedies. Identifying a strong contender to more traditional methods has been at the forefront of therapeutic and preventative medicine for years. Recent studies have shown supplementation with high-quality tocotrienols may be the missing link in supporting improvements for ailments associated with the heart and blood vessels.
The obesity epidemic has affected the lives of more than two-thirds of Americans85. With increased weight gain comes an accolade of metabolic disorders, often leading to more serious outcomes. Many of the diseases associated with obesity occur from unnatural changes in a person’s metabolism, sometimes leading to dysregulated fasting blood glucose, systemic inflammation, and dyslipidemia.
The best way to reduce the risk of these ailments is by improving a person’s health through diet and exercise. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of lifestyle changes. However, in more severe cases, determining faster ways to improve risk factors of metabolic disorders continues to be a top priority. Modern medicine has introduced numerous effective pharmaceutical agents, although many of these drugs have adverse health effects. Additionally, pharmaceuticals are employed to alleviate symptoms — whereas more natural remedies can actually help address the cause.
Health scientists have applied experimental studies to many of these natural agents to determine their therapeutic potential. Tocotrienols have been shown to be more powerful than their more infamous counterparts: tocopherols. As tocotrienols have been established to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, research evaluating their impact on metabolic health has produced encouraging results for ailments such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Thanks to modern medicine, the average life expectancy has greatly increased over the last 100 years. However, as we witness longer life spans, our bodies have begun to exhibit more serious ailments associated with aging. For example, as we age our normal bone strengthening ability deteriorates, making it harder to maintain proper bone health. This initiates the development of osteoporosis, a silent bone disease that contributes heavily to elderly mortality in both women and men. Osteoporotic fractures can do more harm than just limit the mobility of elderly adults; they can also drastically lower their quality of life and even cause death. Taking steps to improve bone health early on can slow down symptoms of bone frailty and lower the risk of fractures in aging adults. Typical methods to improve bone density include mineralization and drug therapies that come with a range of undesirable side effects. Consequently, the search for alternative therapies has sparked researchers to consider other compounds found in nature.
As a well-established natural antioxidant that can combat oxidative stress and inflammation, vitamin E has been used in many research studies. Despite the health benefits associated with alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienols were shown to be the competitive treatment alternative.
In osteoporotic studies, alpha-tocopherol supplements have shown limited potential in improving bone health. Recent efforts using tocotrienols instead have shown that they are incredible preventative agents. Their benefits stem from their profound ability to combat oxidative stress, strongly regulate inflammatory pathways and support normal bone remodeling processes.
In preclinical studies, tocotrienols have been tested in a wide variety of bone loss models. The most frequently used models include those of estrogen deficiency, representing women ages 45+ entering menopause, and those of testosterone deficiency, corresponding to men ages 70+ with age-related bone loss. Other preclinical models used nicotine to induce oxidative stress-related osteoporosis, as well as chronic steroid medications that carry bone loss as a severe complication of drug therapy. In all of these studies, tocotrienols were able to prevent bone loss by reducing high bone turnover rate, increasing bone formation (even at a genetic level), and maintaining bone strength. Combinations with lovastatin were also explored, and tocotrienol action was either additive or synergistic for bone support, indicating that it could be a valuable supplement for patients taking statins. One research group studied the direct application of tocotrienol with lovastatin to a fracture site, and found the combination to significantly improve fracture healing.
The development of osteoporosis is often associated with decline of certain hormone stimulators that signal the growth and maintenance of bone. In aging adults, this decline is typical and well-evidenced among both genders. To counter these effects, health specialists recommend supplementing with vitamins and minerals to prevent bone degradation.
In more serious circumstances, estrogen replacement therapy may additionally be prescribed. In one clinical trial, tocotrienols in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D supplementation were shown to recuperate and prevent bone loss, showing that supplementation with annatto tocotrienols may improve traditional staple therapies on the shelves at your local grocery store
The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as the first line of defense against pathogens and environmental toxins. Oftentimes, consumers turn to conventional skincare products to protect and nurture their skin. As new research continues to shed light on these ingredients, it’s becoming increasingly apparent they may be doing more harm than good. Luckily, natural ingredients may offer safe, effective alternatives.
For over 50 years, vitamin E has been a staple in dermatological treatments. Many of these therapies taut the healing properties of vitamin E tocopherols, though few products have incorporated tocotrienols. Recently, the benefits of tocotrienols have received more attention as they possess antioxidant properties that differ from the properties of tocopherols. Additionally, support for tocotrienols has been found for their aptitude in skin care as studies have continued to expand on their protective nature. Research has shown a clear connection between tocotrienol supplementation and reduced signs of aging, decreased sun damage, and an improved ability to fight skin infection.
Source:
"Annatto Tocotrienols, An Extensive Overview"
American River Nutrition
