More than just Alpha-Tocopherol

When people think of vitamin E, they usually think of alpha-tocopherol. This is the form found in most supplements and on which the Reference Intake is based. But vitamin E is much more than just alpha-tocopherol. The complete vitamin E family consists of eight different forms, each with unique properties.

Science is increasingly showing that the other forms of vitamin E – particularly tocotrienols – are at least as important for health. Tocotrienols are even called the “Super Vitamin E of the 21st century” because of their unique properties.

Kala Health Vitamin E T8 Complete is one of the few supplements in the world that combines all eight natural forms of vitamin E in one capsule, in the right ratio and with optimal bioavailability.

The complete Vitamin E family

Vitamin E is a collective name for eight fat-soluble compounds that the body cannot produce itself. These eight forms are divided into two groups:

The 4 Tocopherols

Tocopherols have a saturated side chain and are the most well-known forms of vitamin E:

• d-Alpha-tocopherol (90 mg) – The most well-known form, basis for the Reference Intake
• d-Beta-tocopherol (2 mg) – Occurs in smaller amounts in nature
• d-Gamma-tocopherol (60 mg) – Important form that is often overlooked
• d-Delta-tocopherol (23 mg) – Unique properties that complement alpha-tocopherol

The 4 Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols have an unsaturated side chain, making them more flexible and better able to penetrate cell membranes:

• d-Alpha-tocotrienol (19 mg) – Powerful antioxidant with unique properties
• d-Beta-tocotrienol (1 mg) – Rare form with specific action
• d-Gamma-tocotrienol (23 mg) – Most researched tocotrienol
• d-Delta-tocotrienol (7 mg) – Potent form with high biological activity

Total per capsule: 175 mg mixed tocopherols + 50 mg mixed tocotrienols = 100 mg-TE (150 IU) vitamin E value.

Why Tocotrienols are so important

Tocotrienols are becoming increasingly interesting to science. The main structural difference from tocopherols is their unsaturated side chain, which gives them unique properties:

Better permeability

Due to their flexible, unsaturated structure, tocotrienols can move through cell membranes faster than tocopherols. This explains the growing scientific interest in these lesser-known forms of vitamin E.

Synergistic action

Tocopherols and tocotrienols work together, they enhance each other’s action. This is why a complete formula with all eight forms is more effective than a supplement with only alpha-tocopherol.

Rare in food

While tocopherols are reasonably abundant in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, tocotrienols are much rarer. The richest natural source is palm oil. To get sufficient tocotrienols (30-50 mg/day) through food, you would need to consume approximately 80 grams of palm oil daily, practically impossible.

Natural vs. synthetic: the difference

Not all vitamin E is equal. There is a fundamental difference between natural and synthetic vitamin E:

Natural vitamin E (d-form)

Natural vitamin E is recognised by the prefix ‘d-‘ (such as d-alpha-tocopherol) or ‘RRR-‘. This is the form as it occurs in nature, one specific molecular structure that the body optimally recognises and can use.

Synthetic vitamin E (dl-form)

Synthetic vitamin E is designated with ‘dl-‘ (such as dl-alpha-tocopherol). This is a mixture of 8 different stereoisomers, of which only one (12.5%) is identical to the natural form. The other 7 forms are mirror images that the body cannot use as efficiently.

The result: Natural vitamin E is approximately twice as biologically active as synthetic vitamin E. Kala Health Vitamin E T8 Complete contains exclusively natural d-forms, no synthetic variants.

Patented self-emulsifying delivery system

Vitamin E is fat-soluble and is not optimally absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract by nature. That is why Vitamin E T8 Complete uses a patented self-emulsifying delivery system.

How does this system work?

This system ensures that fat-soluble nutrients automatically form small fat droplets (emulsions) in the gastrointestinal tract. These microscopically small droplets are absorbed much more efficiently through the intestinal wall than larger fat droplets.

The result

• Both tocopherols and tocotrienols benefit from this mechanism
• More effective at lower dosages – more vitamin E reaches the cells
• Less dependent on a fat-rich meal for optimal absorption

Quality and purity: our obsession

Vitamin E is extracted from vegetable oils. Various quality issues arise during the extraction of these raw materials. Kala Health does not settle for “good enough”. We strive for the highest possible purity.

The problem with conventional oils

Many vitamin E oils are heated, processed and refined to optimise yields. This can create toxic substances:

• PAHs – Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• GEs – Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters
• CPs – Chlorinated Paraffins
• Solvent residues – Residues from organic solvents

Our solution: molecular distillation

All oils we use are not heated, processed or refined in a conventional manner. Instead, the tocopherols and tocotrienols are extracted from the oil using Molecular Distillation, a process at high pressure and low temperature.

The result:

• Any contaminants are left behind
• No toxic substances such as PAHs, GEs and CPs are formed
• No use of organic solvents
• Maximum preservation of the natural vitamin E forms

Independent laboratory testing

Every batch of oil we use is tested in advance by an independent and reputable laboratory in the Netherlands for:

• PAHs – Below lowest possible detection limit (<2 ppb B(a)P and <10 ppb Σ4PAHs)
• Heavy metals – Lead <3.0 ppm, cadmium <1.0 ppm, mercury <0.1 ppm
• Microbiological analysis – Negative for E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus
• Vitamin E content – Verification of concentration and composition

We only use the oil after the laboratory has confirmed that such contaminants have not been detected. All test reports and certificates are available for those who wish to view them.

Sustainable sourcing

Tocotrienols are mainly extracted from palm oil. We are aware of the sustainability issues surrounding palm oil and take our responsibility:

• All oils rich in tocotrienols come from sustainably certified plantations
• Tocopherols are extracted from sunflower oil
• No deforestation – we only source from suppliers who adhere to strict sustainability standards

Health claims for vitamin E

The following health claims for vitamin E are scientifically substantiated and approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):

Cell protection

• Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This is the primary and most well-known function of vitamin E as an antioxidant

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals can damage cells, proteins and DNA. Vitamin E, as a fat-soluble antioxidant, particularly protects cell membranes – the fat-rich outer layer of cells – against this damage.

Where is vitamin E found?

Vitamin E is not produced by the body and must be obtained through food or supplements.

Sources of Tocopherols

Tocopherols are reasonably abundant in:

• Vegetable oils (sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds)
• Fatty fish
• Whole grains
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach)
• Avocado

Sources of Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols occur much less frequently in nature:

• Palm oil – Richest source (up to 800 mg/kg), contains 78% tocotrienols
• Rice bran – Contains approximately 50% tocotrienols
• Barley, wheat, rye, oats – In limited amounts

The problem: To achieve an optimal daily intake of 30-50 mg tocotrienols through food, you would need to consume approximately 80 grams of palm oil daily, or 1.5 to 4.0 kg of wheat germ, barley or oats. In practice, this is impossible, which is why supplementation is recommended.

Dosage and recommendations

Recommended intake

For general wellbeing, the Adequate Intake (AI) of alpha-tocopherol is set at 12 mg/day. The Safe Upper Limit for adults is 300 mg/day. The optimal intake will be somewhere between these two values and varies from person to person.

Vitamin E T8 Complete provides per capsule:

• 100 mg-TE (150 IU) vitamin E value – 833% of the Reference Intake
• 50 mg tocotrienols – an optimal maintenance dosage according to scientific research

Who is this supplement suitable for?

Vitamin E T8 Complete is developed for anyone looking for a complete, high-quality vitamin E formula:

• People who want optimal cell protection – Through the combination of all 8 forms
• People who value natural supplements – Exclusively natural d-forms, no synthetic variants
• People who want more than just alpha-tocopherol – The complete vitamin E family including tocotrienols
• People exposed to oxidative stress – Due to lifestyle, environmental factors or intensive physical activity
• People who consider quality and purity important – Every batch tested for contaminants

Not suitable for:

• Children without consultation with a doctor
• People who use blood thinners (consult a doctor)
• Vegetarians and vegans (contains bovine gelatin capsule)

Product features

• • All 8 natural vitamin E forms – 4 tocopherols + 4 tocotrienols in one capsule
  • 100% natural d-forms – No synthetic dl-variants
  • Patented self-emulsifying delivery system
  • 50 mg tocotrienols per capsule – Optimal maintenance dosage
  • 175 mg tocopherols per capsule – Including high gamma-tocopherol content
  • 100 mg-TE (150 IU) vitamin E value – 833% of the Reference Intake
  • Molecular distillation – Extraction at high pressure and low temperature for maximum purity
  • Sustainably certified palm oil – Responsible sourcing of tocotrienols
  • Independent laboratory tested – Every batch verified for purity and concentration
  • Produced in the Netherlands – In our own facility
  • Free from preservatives – No synthetic fragrances, colours or flavourings
  • Contains plant squalenes (5 mg) and phytosterol (4 mg) – Naturally present in the oils

View also our other vitamin E formulas

→ Vitamin E T8 Vegan – All 8 forms in plant-based capsule
→ Vitamin E T8 MAX – Highest tocopherol dosage (400 IU)
→ Vitamin E Ultra Tocotrienol – Highest tocotrienol dosage (205 mg)
→ Vitamin E Ultra Tocopherol – Mixed tocopherols only

Explicitly stated

Due to legal restrictions, we are not permitted to state all details about this food supplement. For content-related questions or personal advice, we can be reached by telephone at: (+31) 070-345-0290. And by email: info@kalahealth.eu.

Mandatory statement: A food supplement is not a replacement for a varied diet. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. This product is a food supplement (contains vitamins).

Safety: Consult an expert before using supplements in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, medication use (particularly blood thinners) or illness.

Questions about this product? Contact us for personal advice from our team of nutrition specialists.