Overview

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that includes both tocotrienols and tocopherols. Tocotrienols have double bonds and are found in palm and rice bran oil.

Tocotrienols exist in four different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols. Tocotrienols seem to have many different effects in the body. They might lower cholesterol levels and provide heart health benefits.

People use tocotrienols for high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, aging, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

To learn about tocopherols, another source of vitamin E, review vitamin E.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

There is interest in using tocotrienols for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Tocotrienols are possibly safe when used at a dose of 200 mg daily for up to 5 years. They're usually well tolerated.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tocotrienols are safe. Tocotrienol cream can cause mild itching in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Tocotrienols are possibly safe when used at a dose of 200 mg daily for up to 5 years. They're usually well tolerated.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tocotrienols are safe. Tocotrienol cream can cause mild itching in some people.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tocotrienols are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Tocotrienols

    Tocotrienols might slow blood clotting. Taking tocotrienols along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Tocotrienols have most often been used by adults in doses of 200-600 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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