Among the various forms of vitamin E,
researchers discovered that one often-overlooked form, gamma-tocopherol,
may have value as an anti-cancer agent. Gamma-tocopherol occurs
naturally in plant seeds such as:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Sesame seeds
According to a study, gamma-tocopherol inhibited the production
of lab-cultured human prostate cancer cells. And although the presence
of gamma-tocopherol caused cell death by interrupting the synthesis
of sphingolipids (certain fatty molecules, which are important components
of cell membranes), it left healthy human prostate cells unaffected.
As researchers increased the amount of gamma-tocopherol, cancer
cells slowed in growth and healthy cells grew normally.
"This is the first time gamma-tocopherol has been shown to
induce death in lab-grown human cancer cells while leaving healthy
cells alone," said the head researcher of the study.
Combining Forms of Vitamin E
Since gamma-tocopherol does not appear in most manufactured nutritional
supplements, researchers have suggested combining it with another
form of vitamin E: Alpha-tocopherol.
Alpha-tocopherol is the major form of vitamin E found in the body
and, in contrast to gamma-tocopherol, is found in most manufactured
nutritional supplements. It has justifiably earned a good reputation
as an antioxidant, which helps fight against damage caused by unwanted
free radicals. Thus, it is better to supplement a diet with mixed
forms of vitamin E, as together they will enhance the positive effects
found in each.
Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences December 21, 2004;101(51):17825-17830
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