Tocotrienol Form of Vitamin E May Have Protective Qualities for the Brain

A recent study suggests that taking a daily supplement of full spectrum palm mixed tocotrienol complex may protect the brain against progression of white matter lesions. Tocotrienols are one of the eight forms of vitamin E.

This is the largest study of its kind, including 121 participants over the age of 35 with cardiovascular risk factors and white matter lesions. White matter lesions have been connected to the development of neurodegenerative diseases as well as a higher risk of stroke.

Over the course of two years, half of the group took 200 mg of mixed tocotreniols or a placebo twice daily. Of the original study group, 88 individuals completed the study. Using MRIs at the one year and two year mark, the researchers determined that the white lesions on the tocotreniol group remained the same over the study period, while the placebo group saw a gradual increase.

Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia conducted the study. It was published online ahead of print on April 3, 2014, in the journal Stroke.

Vitamin E has eight different forms: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and has been shown to help many aspects of the body. Tocopherol is the most common form in both the American diet and European diets. Tocotrienols are less prominent in the Western diet.

Previous studies have shown that vitamin E intake is associated with lower cholesterol, healthier skin, maintaining a proper hormonal balance, and preventing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).