This episode of Conversations for Health features Designs for Health Chief Science Officer Dr. Barrie Tan for a conversation about vitamin E tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol (GG) and research that has been conducted regarding these compounds. As a professor of Chemistry and Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts, Dr. Barrie Tan is hailed as a trailblazer and the world's foremost expert on vitamin E. Dr. Tan is credited with discovering a form of vitamin E called tocotrienol in the three major sources – Palm, Rice and Annatto. Described as a scientific pioneer, Dr. Tan is pursuing the simple mission of improving the everyday health of people's lives through a tocotrienol product that is extracted from annatto and is the most potent form of vitamin E in existence today.

In our conversation, Dr. Tan highlights key differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols and offers insights into the cancer-prevention work that has shaped two decades of his life. He shares a high level overview of the benefits of tocotrienols, including several human clinical trials; the role of geranylgeraniol (GG); and offers simple ways to both explain and understand the function of these critical compounds in the journey toward longevity and health.

I'm your host Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:53] Dr. Barrie Tan recounts his serendipitous discovery of tocotrienols in the annatto plant.

[5:44] Key chemical and research-supported differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols.

[9:56] Benefits of tocotrienols including inflammation management and oxidative protection.

[13:43] Tactics for explaining the consistent benefits of tocotrienols to patients.

[14:58] An overview of the chronic condition human clinical trials conducted by Dr. Tan.

[17:40] Conditions and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease studies.

[26:15] The science behind specific tocotrienol dosage recommendations.

[28:31] Dr. Tan highlights the impact of tocotrienol on genetic expression and why he rarely discusses it.

[33:09] The effective use of tocotrienols and tocopherols in skin health and hair growth.

[38:50] The ideal combination of supplements to support bone health and density.

[41:28] Dr. Tan's discovery of GG, its location and functions in the body, and the mevalonic acid pathway.

[45:00] Three simple ways to identify the functions and purpose of GG.

[47:39] Why the body makes menaquinone-4 and the mechanism used to regulate it.

[53:25] Dr. Tan pieces together the relationship between bone health, MK-4, and GG.

[1:00:50] Dr. Tan shares his personal favorite supplements, his favorite health practices, and what he has changed his mind about after years in his field.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Barrie Tan

The Truth About Vitamin E: The Secret to Thriving with Annatto Tocotrienols

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging

Blog: Vitamin K2 and GG Mitigate Insulin Resistance by Improving Mitochondrial Function

Tocotrienols White Paper

Webinar: Lipid-Soluble Nutrients in Metabolic Syndrome: The Supportive Roles of Tocotrienols, Resveratrol, and Vitamin D

Presentation: Dr. Barrie Tan at IHS 2023: Annatto's Anti-Aging Benefits

Presentation: Dr. Barrie Tan at CASI 2022: Annatto Tocotrienol & Geranylgeraniol

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