What is the best vitamin E? The difference between tocopherols and tocotrienols

Reading time: +-5 minutes

This blog provides an overview of the differences between tocopherols and tocotrienols and broadly describes the composition of our Vitamin E T8 Complete. For a more in-depth analysis, further substantiation with scientific studies on the action of the different isomers would be interesting. Based on existing literature, much more can be said about how each of these isomers contributes to the biological activity and effectiveness of vitamin E.

Table of contents

• • What makes a vitamin E formula outstanding?
  • Tocopherols versus Tocotrienols: What’s the difference?
  • Why is a complete vitamin E formula essential?
  • The importance of sustainable and quality production process
  • Conclusion

What makes a vitamin E formula outstanding?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. The problem, however, is that most supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol, whereas scientific research shows that the body benefits optimally from a complete vitamin E ^formula1. A complete vitamin E formula contains all eight isomers of vitamin E in the correct proportion, and is of natural origin. This ensures better effectiveness than supplementing with a vitamin E supplement that contains only alpha-tocopherol, which is often the case.

Although many vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol (sometimes in synthetic form), a complete formula offers more benefits. This is not only because all isomers are present in an optimal ratio, but also because the body is better able to use these different forms to protect healthy cells and tissues.

Tocopherols versus Tocotrienols: What’s the difference?

Vitamin E consists of two main categories: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Both are natural compounds of plant origin and come in various forms, including alpha, beta, gamma and delta. While tocopherols are usually well known in the supplement industry, tocotrienols, particularly because of their potentially stronger biological activity, are beginning to receive increased attention. Tocotrienols contain an unsaturated side chain with three double bonds, making them potentially more effective in fighting oxidative damage than the saturated side chain of tocopherols.

At Kala Health, we use a vitamin E formula that contains both tocopherols and tocotrienols, allowing you to benefit from the full spectrum of vitamin E, as nature intended. The synergistic action of these two groups provides a more powerful effect than if they were used separately.

Tocopherols

The most common forms of vitamin E, often derived from vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, palm oil and wheat germ oil, and nuts and seeds. The four isomers of tocopherols include:

• Alpha-tocopherol: The most common form in supplements and the most powerful antioxidant of all tocopherols. However, it comes in two forms: synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) and natural (d-alpha-tocopherol or RRR-alpha-tocopherol). Of these two forms, the natural form is better absorbed by the body and is up to 50% more effective than the synthetic form. At Kala Health, we choose only the natural form of alpha-tocopherol to ensure the highest bioavailability and effectiveness.
• Beta-tocopherol: Less prominent in food and supplements, but plays an important role in synergy with the other isomers of vitamin E. It supports the action of alpha-tocopherol, further enhancing its antioxidant activity.
• Gamma-tocopherol: Is widely found in natural foods and has unique properties that allow it to complement the action of alpha-tocopherol.
• Delta-tocopherol: Has a unique molecular structure that enhances antioxidant properties.

Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols are less well known than tocopherols, but biologically very active and important for the overall function of vitamin E. These forms are mainly found in palm oil, rice bran and annatto, and offer unique benefits. The four forms of tocotrienols are:

• Alpha-tocotrienol
• Beta-tocotrienol
• Gamma-tocotrienol
• Delta-tocotrienol

Tocotrienols differ from tocopherols in that they have a shorter and more flexible side chain. This gives tocotrienols unique properties, compared to tocopherol isomers.

Why is a complete vitamin E formula essential?

An incomplete vitamin E formula is not only an incomplete product; it may also carry contraindications. Too much isolated alpha-tocopherol can suppress the action of the other forms, such as gamma-tocopherol and tocotrienols. The result is reduced effectiveness of vitamin E as a whole.

A high-quality vitamin E formula should:

✅ All eight isomers contain – Four tocopherols and four tocotrienols to ensure synergy and optimal action.

✅ Have the right ratio – This ensures balanced absorption and prevents one form from eliminating the action of the others. At Kala Health, for example, we use 50 mg of tocotrienols per 500 mg capsule, along with the four tocopherols in a carefully measured ratio.

✅ Being highly concentrated and pure – Proven free of heavy metals, toxins and contaminants through sustainable and certified manufacturing processes, through testing in independent reputable laboratories.

✅ Good bioavailability – Our vitamin E is formulated for optimal absorption in the body, thus helping to protect cells from oxidative damage.

By choosing a complete and balanced vitamin E formula, you ensure that your body can take full advantage of the health benefits this essential nutrient has to offer.

The importance of sustainable and quality production process

Developing a high-quality vitamin E formula requires not only careful formulation, but also a focus on the source and purity of the oils used. At Kala Health, we make every effort to source the oils we use in demonstrably sustainable ways that respect the environment and consumer health:

• Sustainability: We receive our oils of plant origin exclusively from sustainable and certified farms. For example, we work exclusively with palm oil from certified, environmentally friendly sources.
• Quality Control: All raw materials undergo rigorous testing for contaminants such as PAHs, GEs and heavy metals. The oils are unprocessed and not heated to prevent the production of toxins. We use molecular distillation for purification, which ensures the highest quality without the use of organic solvents. Molecular distillation is an advanced purification technique with the following advantages:
  • Conservation of the oil’s natural properties;
  • No use of chemical solvents;
  • Very high purity with no harmful residues.
• Certification: All batch results are documented, and provided upon request.

Conclusion

A premium vitamin E formula offers more than just the benefits of alpha-tocopherol. Only a balanced blend of tocopherols as well as tocotrienols, in the right proportion and with the highest purity, provides the optimal support. At Kala Health, we combine more than 25 years of product development experience with the latest science to create the best possible vitamin E formula. Our commitment to quality, purity and sustainability ensures that our supplements are not only effective, but also responsibly produced.

Want to know how our vitamin E formula can support your health? Find out for yourself on our website or contact us for more information. Tel: (+31) (0)70 345-0290.

References
¹ Serizawa N, Ninomiya Y, Shinagawa A, Minematsu A, Miyakoshi Y, Yano T, Ota M. Short-term intake of delta-tocotrienol on lipid profiles in healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2025 Jan;76(1):3-7. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.24-124