Gamma tocopherol is one of eight antioxidants that form the vitamin E family. The family consists of four tocopherols, called alpha, beta, gamma and delta, and four tocotrienols that all are antioxidants. Alpha tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E actively maintained in your body, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, small levels of gamma tocopherol are also detected in blood and may have some important health benefits to humans.
Gamma Tocopherol
Gamma tocopherol is the most common form of vitamin E found in the American diet. However, the blood levels of gamma tocopherol are only 10 percent of the alpha tocopherol levels. The exact function of gamma tocopherol is unclear. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, research suggests that it may play a role in protecting the body from free radical-induced damage.
Alpha Tocopherol
Although gamma tocopherol is more abundant in the American diet, alpha tocopherol is the main vitamin E form found and maintained in the body. Alpha tocopherol is an essential antioxidant that protects your cell membranes and fatty acids against damage induced by free radicals. The Linus Pauling Institute states that alpha tocopherol protects low-density lipoprotein from oxidation and may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Benefits
Gamma tocopherol may also play an important role in protecting against heart disease. According to Maret Traber, PhD, a professor of nutrition and a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, gamma tocopherol levels are lower in patients who suffer from coronary heart disease when compared to healthy people. This indicates that low blood gamma tocopherol levels may increase your risk of coronary heart disease. Dr Traber also says that gamma tocopherol scavenges reactive nitrogen species that can otherwise damage proteins, lipids and DNA. High blood gamma tocopherol levels together with increased alpha tocopherol and selenium levels may also be protective against prostate cancer, according to a study published in "Journal of the National Cancer Institute."
Recommendations
Recommended dietary allowances have not been established for gamma tocopherol. The RDA for alpha tocopherol for adults is 15 mg per day. All eight forms of vitamin E are found in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Good sources for alpha tocopherol include safflower and sunflower oil, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and avocado, while good sources of gamma tocopherol include soybean, corn and canola oil and peanuts, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University: Vitamin E; Jane Higdon, et al.; November 2004
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute; Which Form of Vitamin E, Alpha- or Gamma-Tocopherol, is Better?; Maret Traber; May 2003
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Association Between Alpha-Tocopherol, Gamma-Tocopherol, Selenium, and Subsequent Prostate Cancer; K.J. Helzlsouer, et al.; 2000
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