Does gamma-tocopherol play a role in the primary prevention of heart disease and cancer? A review.
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.
Dietrich
Marion
M
Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture, Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Nutritional Epidemiology, Boston, MA 02111, USA. Marion.Dietrich@tufts.edu
Traber
Maret G
MG
Jacques
Paul F
PF
Cross
Carroll E
CE
Hu
Youqing
Y
Block
Gladys
G
D004032:Diet; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014815:Vitamins; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol