Vitamin E Supplement Benefits

Vitamin E is a collection of eight fat-soluble compounds, divided into four tocopherol types and four tocotrienol types. Tocopherols are the better-studied group and are referred to as alpha, beta, gamma and delta types, according to "The Vitamins" by Gerald F. Combs. Vitamin E supplements often contain only the synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol, although other types of tocopherols and tocotrienols are available, albeit less commonly. The different types of vitamin E provide benefits that vary from one to the other.

Alpha-Tocopherol

Alpha-tocopherol is the most-studied type of vitamin E and considered the most bio-available to the body. Alpha-tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant and eliminates potentially damaging free-radicals associated with aging, degeneration and cancer. According to the National Health Institutes, the alpha-tocopherol displays anti-inflammatory effects, platelet aggregation inhibition and immune system enhancement, which has translated into lower rates of heart disease, reduced risk of macular degeneration and protection from age-related dementia.

Vitamin E is not synthesized by the body and must be obtained by diet or supplementation. All types are stored in the body for a relatively short time and must be constantly replenished. Although the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin E remains at about 22 IU daily for adults, a growing body of research indicates that at least 400 IU is more appropriate and up to 1,600 IU daily is safe, as cited in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" (Reference 3).

Beta-Tocopherol

According to "The Vitamins," beta-tocopherol is a less-potent antioxidant than alpha-tocopherol, but it generally behaves within the body in similar and complementary ways. A supplement with mixed types of tocopherols, which mimics what is found in natural plant and animal-based foods, is probably of most benefit to the body.

Gamma-Tocopherol

Although food contains all eight types of vitamin E, gamma-tocopherol is the most common in the U.S. diet. Previously thought to be a much weaker version of alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol has some special and powerful properties. Unlike alpha-tocophenol, gamma-tocopherol has the ability to inhibit nitric oxide-derived free radical formation, which appears related to the development of heart disease. Further, research published in a 2004 edition of the journal, "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," indicates gamma-tocopherol, not alpha-tocopherol, inhibits prostate cancer cells from multiplying, without affecting healthy cells. Since taking large doses of alpha-tocopherol depletes plasma levels of gamma-tocopherol, ideal vitamin E supplements should contain a variety of balanced types.

Delta-Tocopherol

Delta-tocopherol has not been well-studied and is considered, like beta-tocopherol, as a weaker antioxidant in comparison to the alpha and gamma types. It appears to play more of a complementary role to alpha-tocopherol.

Tocotrienols

Compared with tocopherols, tocotrienols are rarely studied, although some research indicates that they are the most potent antioxidants in the vitamin E grouping. A 2004 study published in the "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences" suggested that tocotrienols have specialized roles in protecting neurons from damage. Further, a 2006 study published in "Life Sciences" concluded that tocotrienols can reduce blood cholesterol by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme.