Gamma tocopherol is the most consumed form of vitamin E in North American diets and may prevent cancer cell replication. It is found in foods such as annatto, palm oil, and rice. Gamma tocopherol exhibits greater anti-inflammatory properties than alpha tocopherol and inhibits the enzyme COX-2, reducing inflammation in patients with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Gamma tocopherol also detoxifies harmful nitrogen dioxide and increases the number of receptors activated by PPRA and mRNA, decreasing abnormal cell reproduction in prostate cancer. Tocotrienols, a structurally similar form of vitamin E, may more efficiently eradicate free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect against cancer.
The group of vitamins known as vitamin E generally contains gamma tocopherol along with alpha, beta, and delta tocopherols. The gamma form of the nutrient comprises nearly three-fourths of the vitamin E consumed in North American diets. People generally find all forms of fat-soluble substances in over-the-counter vitamin E tocopherol complex supplements. Certain studies indicate that gamma tocopherol may prevent cancer cell replication.
Foods naturally rich in gamma tocopherol include annatto, palm oil, and rice. Coconut bran and oil, cocoa butter, barley, and wheat germ also contain high amounts of fat-soluble gamma tocopherol. Studies indicate that although the body uses more gamma tocopherol. Alpha tocopherol, although alpha tocopherol appears more readily in blood and tissue samples. Combination vitamin E supplements generally contain alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, but supplements containing only alpha tocopherol may reduce the amount of other forms of vitamin E in the body.
The vitamin generally acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. Although found to a lesser extent in the body, some researchers believe that gamma tocopherol exhibits greater anti-inflammatory properties than alpha tocopherol. Laboratory tests indicate that gamma tocopherol inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, also known as COX-2. This chemical is responsible for the formation of the chemical messenger prostaglandin, which influences smooth muscle contraction, but also induces inflammation. Some reports suggest that the ability to inhibit COX-2 greatly reduces inflammation in patients suffering from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
In cancer research, gamma tocopherol also detoxifies harmful nitrogen dioxide while increasing the number of receptors activated by the cellular peroxisone proliferator, gamma messenger ribonucleic acid, commonly known as PPRA and mRNA. Unlike normal cell growth, cancer cells lack the ability to differentiate into cells that appear similar to the surrounding normal cells. Cancer cells also proliferate at uncontrolled rates compared to normal cell replication. The increase in cellular PPRAs and mRNA generally decreases abnormal cell reproduction. Prostate cancer seems to be the most sensitive to this type of therapy.
Also belonging to the vitamin E family are tocotrienols, which also contain alpha, beta, gamma and delta components. Tocotrienols are structurally similar to tocopherols but have a side chain of three double bonds. Some studies suggest that this additional surface area allows the vitamin to more efficiently eradicate free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect against cancer. Several foods contain substantial amounts of tocotrienols, including bran, barley, and soybeans. Eggs, meat, coconut and palm oil, and wheat germ also contain this form of vitamin E.
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