The absorption, storage and distribution of vitamin E in the body depends on its own transport system, the tocopherol transfer protein (TTP).
The function of these TTP can also be disturbed or restricted in humans and thus hinder all functions of vitamin E.
But this does not apply to tocotrienols. Because these can also be distributed independently of TPP. This was discovered in experiments with TPP-deficient mice [goal study]. These animals, when supplied with conventional alpha-tocopherol, had extremely low levels of vitamin E in all organs and were infertile. By administering tocotrienol (in this case alpha-tocotrienol), the vitamin E supply was restored.
Quote:Accumulation of α-TCT in several vital organs of the TTP deficient mice indicates that the delivery of oral α-TCT to these tissues occurs independently of TTP.
German :The accumulation of alpha-tocotrienol in various vital organs of the TTP-deficient mice indicates that the transport of oral alpha-tocotrienol occurred independently of TTP.
The study was mainly about theneuroprotectiveeffects of alpha-tocotrienol (aT3) that cannot be found in alpha-tocopherol (aTP). Of course, there are still many other vitamin E effects that can be achieved with tocotrienols independently of transport proteins.
The study also indicates that the supply of tocotrienolsn was affected by alpha-tocopherol (aTP). Alpha-tocopherol not only blocks the transport portal, but also the other (as yet unidentified transport routes) in the body.
TTP and synthetic alpha-tocopherol
Vitamin E is usually taken in the form of synthetic alpha-tocopherol acetate.
During the production of these vitamins, in addition to the actual vitamin, 7 ineffective stereoisomers are also formed, which means thatall-rac-alpha-tocopherol,d-alpha.Tocopherol othe as racemic mixture is referred to. So anyone who consumes synthetic "all-rac" tocopherol also consumes seven times the amount of very similar but ineffective variants.
Previously it was assumed that the synthetic mixture only had a factor of 1.36 lower activity. But there are sources (α‐Tocopherol Stereoisomers in sciencedirect) which have already demonstrated a factor of 2 worse activity by using deuterium-labeled molecules.
In addition, one would have to assume that the ineffective stereoisomers are not only harmless waste in the body, but can also block other functions. For example, by blocking the TPP transport protein or the vitamin stores in the liver.
Conclusion:
These are all good arguments for not taking synthetic alpha-tocopherol atoms in supplementation with "Vitamin E", but rather in the form of natural tocotrienols.