NOW Advanced Gamma E Complex vitamin provides the necessary full range of antioxidant protection because it contains a more natural balance of Tocopherols plus a full complement of Tocotrienols. Emerging research demonstrates that gamma-Tocopherol, the most abundant form of Vitamin E in the diet, has very important and unique functions. Central to these functions is its capacity to detoxify reactive nitrogen species, an especially destructive form of free radical. In addition, gamma-Tocopherol acts to trap and remove free radicals from the body in a way that alpha-Tocopherol cannot. NOW®’s “Advanced” formula thereby provides superior support for cardiovascular health, as well as protection for the health of the prostate and the colon.
What's the difference between Alpha and Gamma and Tocopherol?
In order to answer the question correctly we need to review what Vitamin E is. Vitamin E is a family of essential fat-soluble nutrients that act as powerful antioxidants. In nature there are 8 substances that have been found to have vitamin E activity: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol; and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta tocotrienols. The four different isomers from both the tocopherol and tocotrienol groups all have different biological activities and therapeutic benefits.
According to research d-alpha-tocopherol has the highest bioavailablity and is the standard against which all the others must be compared. Human blood and tissue contains much more alpha-tocopherol than gamma-tocopherol even though gamma-tocopherol is the predominant form of vitamin E in our diet. It’s suggested that the liver metabolizes both alpha and gamma forms but uses a special protein called alpha-tocopherol transfer protein to preferentially place more alpha than any other tocopherol into the VLDL and eventually the LDL cholesterol carries it through the bloodstream to the tissues. The liver metabolizes gamma-tocopherol to 2,7,8-trimethyl-2- (beta-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychromin (gamma-CEHC) which is absorbed in some tissues, sent back to the intestines via the bile and mostly excreted in the urine. Some research indicates that the active CEHC metabolite may have natriuretic activity and play a role in determining how much fluid and electrolytes may pass through the kidneys thereby influencing many important physiologic activities in the body.
Is there any research on Gamma-tocopherols health benefits?
Though gamma-tocopherol may be less potent as an antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol due to the lack of one of the electron-donating methyl groups on its chromonal ring, research suggests its configuration enables it to better trap and quench reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS) such as peroxynitrate and nitrogen dioxide. These dangerous free radical compounds are formed in excess during an inflammatory episode. The structure of alpha-tocopherol does not allow it to bind these nitrogen compounds. Gamma-tocopherols ability to provide protection against these damaging reactive nitrogen oxide species makes it an extremely important weapon in the battle against heart disease, brain disease and cancer.
Gamma-tocopherol via it’s major metabolite CEHC has been researched at the University of California, Berkeley and Children’s Hospital Oakland Institute to have a COX-2 ( cyclo-oxygenase 2) inhibitory effect on human epithelial cells as well as inhibiting PGE2 ( prostaglandin E-2) synthesis. There are two forms of cyclo-oxygenase. These key enzymes catalyze the production of prostaglandins that govern many immunological, physiologic and inflammatory responses in the body. Though new research may offer alternative insight into the combined functions of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, historically scientists believed that COX-1 is the good guy involved in physiological protection and gastroduodenal maintenance. COX-2 is the bad guy form that is found mainly in inflammatory conditions and generates the production of the hyperalgesic and pro-inflammatory prostaglandins involved in cellular damage. By inhibiting COX-2 activity gamma-tocopherol and its metabolite CEHC play important roles in protecting the body from inflammatory conditions that may be linked to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.
What are tocotrienols?
Tocotrienols are the cousins of tocopherols that exhibit vitamin E antioxidant activity. Their chemical structure is different in that they have an unsaturated isoprenoid side-chain rather than the saturated side-chain of tocopherols. The unique molecular structure of tocotrienols allow them to be more efficiently and uniformly distributed into the cell membranes and tissues that are high in unsaturated fatty acids such as the brain and liver. Plant oils are the best sources of both tocotrienols and tocopherols. Palm fruit oil is the best source of tocotrienols providing the four isomers, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta forms.
Although some studies performed on animals and humans have shown tocotrienols to have an ability to inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol, help regulate cholesterol production and inhibit certain cancer cell line growth more clinical research is needed to validate the findings and translate them into a specific dose response.
Product Details
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 softgels 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with meals.
Serving Size: 2 Softgels
Nutrition Information for Advanced Gamma E Complex:
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value:
Calories 10
Calories from Fat 7
Total Fat 0.8 g 1 %
Vitamin E (as natural d-alpha Tocopherol) 400 IU 1330 %
Natural Mixed Tocopherols 400 mg †
Typical Distribution:
gamma-Tocopherol 300 mg
delta-Tocopherol 80 mg
beta-Tocopherol 5 mg
Tocomin® Mixed Palm Tocotrienol Complex 10 mg †
Typical Distribution:
gamma-Tocotrienol 5.5 mg
alpha-Tocotrienol 3.0 mg
delta-Tocotrienol 0.9 mg
beta-Tocotrienol 0.3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Red Palm Fruit Oil and Carob Extract (natural color).
Free of: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, milk, preservatives or synthetic Vitamin E.
Warnings: Caution: Please discard the inedible freshness packet enclosed.
Brand:
Now Foods
Advanced Gamma E Complex Vitamin w/ mixed Tocopherol & Tocotrienols - 120 Softgels
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