In nature, vitamin E exists in a complex. If you’re taking a vitamin E supplement that contains a-tocopherol, this can act as a pro-oxidant rather than an antioxidant, as it is only a fragment of the vitamin E complex.

There are 2 types of vitamin E: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are far more powerful and have the following potential benefits:

•Anti-cancer effects

•Potent anti-inflammatory

•Increases lifespan in animal studies

•Neuroprotective

•Similar effects to statins on oxidative LDL

•Supports cardiovascular health

•Beneficial for workout recovery

•Beneficial for age-related cognitive decline

•Reverses damage from radiation

•Scar tissue protection

•Slows progression of liver cirrhosis

Tocopherols do support and protect the cell membranes, and there is more research being done on tocopherols. They are also easier to find in many foods, such as green vegetables, seeds, nuts, olives, and olive oil.

Tocotrienols are more difficult to find in food and may be easier to take as a supplement. They’re found naturally in annatto and red palm oil.