title: Human adipose alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol kinetics during and after 1 y of alpha-tocopherol supplementation.
abstract: Alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol were monitored in human adipose by using needle biopsies in four subjects during a 1-y supplementation trial with 800 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopherol/d, and for 1 additional year after cessation of supplement. Some increase in adipose alpha-tocopherol (per milligram adipose cholesterol) and a more consistent decrease in gamma-tocopherol were observed during the supplementation period. The alpha-tocopherol/gamma-tocopherol ratio rose consistently during supplementation and fell only gradually after the supplement was stopped. We estimate that > or = 2 y are required for the alpha-tocopherol/gamma-tocopherol ratio to reach a new steady state after a change in alpha-tocopherol intake. In a cross-sectional measurement in five subjects who reported long-term use of alpha-tocopherol supplements (> or = 250 mg/d), and in five other subjects who reported no supplement use, the adipose alpha-tocopherol/gamma-tocopherol ratio clearly discriminated between the two groups (P < 0.002). This ratio may be of value in ranking individuals according to long-term alpha-tocopherol intake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley 94720-3200.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Handelman
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peerson
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spiegelman
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Machlin
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dratz
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014280:Triglycerides; D014810:Vitamin E; D002784:Cholesterol