Tocopherols and tocotrienols which are collectively known as tocochromanols, belongs to the group of vitamin E compounds.
Tocotrienols occupy a special place due to their unique chemical structure and properties. They are generally located in seeds and fruits; however, there is a high variation in the relative abundance for each tocotrienols homologue.
Tocotrienols are a group of four amphipathic molecules (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) that differ in the number and position of the methyl groups in the polar head.
Delta-tocotrienols tends to be the predominant form found in seeds, followed by alpha and gamma forms, whereas gamma-tocotrienols is the predominant form in fruits.
The gamma-tocotrienols is the most prevalent form in nature and it also appears to be the form with strongest potential for dietary health benefits.
Most tocotrienols from market are derived form rice bran oil and palm oil. Presently marketed forms of tocotrienols contain mixed tocotrienols in their unesterified forms.
The major sources of tocotrienols are plant, oils, and the richest sources are palm oil, rice bran oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil.
Tocotrienols are not found in the green parts of plants but, rather in the bran and germ fraction of certain seeds and cereals. All of the natural tocotrienols are fat-soluble, water insoluble oils.
What is tocotrienols?
Nutrition is a scientific discipline that encompasses a structured body of knowledge. It includes various fields such as clinical nutrition, community nutrition, public health, food policy, and food science. At its core, nutrition is the study of how the body utilizes food. It is essential to life. Understanding nutrition enables us to make better dietary choices by determining the necessary nutrient intake, identifying optimal food sources, and recognizing beneficial or harmful food components.
Popular articles
-
Fish and seafood products, have a high nutritional value regarding beneficial amounts of protein, lipids as well as essential micronutrients...
-
Major Constituent of Milk The major portion of ash is composed of the chlorides and oxides of potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It is of...
-
A peanut is one of the most widely used legumes due to its nutritional value and taste. Peanuts originated in South America where they have ...
-
Selenium is a vital trace mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone met...
-
Potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte, plays a central role in maintaining overall health. One of its most crucial functions is regulat...
My Blog List
Nutrition Research News -- ScienceDaily
- How specialized diet can improve gut disorders
- Planetary health diet and Mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits
- Thirst and hunger neurons
- Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
- 'Is that my career over?': Reflections of elite athletes during pregnancy