Does gamma-tocopherol play a role in the primary prevention of heart disease and cancer? A review

J Am Coll Nutr. 2006 Aug;25(4):292-9. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2006.10719538.

Abstract

Vitamin E consists of a group of eight isomers, four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopherol) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocotrienol). While extensive literature has been published on the potential health benefits of alpha-tocopherol, little is known about gamma-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E in food in the U.S. gamma-tocopherol has recently received more research attention based on findings from in vitro and animal studies indicating that it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Based on these recent studies, it is important to investigate the possible health benefits of gamma-tocopherol in humans. In this article, we review publications on dietary gamma-tocopherol intake, plasma gamma-tocopherol levels, cardiovascular disease and cancer risk in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diet
  • Heart Diseases / blood
  • Heart Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / blood
  • Vitamins / pharmacology*
  • gamma-Tocopherol / administration & dosage
  • gamma-Tocopherol / blood
  • gamma-Tocopherol / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • gamma-Tocopherol