gamma-tocopherol

• Research from 1994 found that alpha-tocopherol robs cells of gamma-tocopherol, which is the form of vitamin E that offers more protection against prostate cancer.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

Before exploring the virtues of gamma-tocopherol, it's important to point out the design of the SELECT trial.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

More recent studies have provided evidence that gamma-tocotrienols may be effective in targeting prostate cancer stem cells and that gamma-tocotrienol and delta-tocotrienol may be better at inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cell lines than are gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

Therefore, gamma-tocopherol is the main natural dietary source of vitamin E among Americans.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

Since alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol are the two forms of vitamin E we are most concerned with, you may be wondering what the difference is between the two in addition to their differing impact on prostate cancer cells.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

• The gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E was shown to be effective at reducing the risk of prostate cancer by researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health before the SELECT trial began.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

Some argue another form, gamma-tocopherol, stands a better chance of being beneficial, Dr. Minasian said, but the biology of that question also needs more study before it can be addressed in human trials.

Vitamin E Is Linked to Prostate Cancer Katherine Hobson 2011

From a total of approximately 20,000 men who donated blood samples for analysis of micronutrients and prostate cancer risk, the investigators found "potential chemopreventive effects of gamma-tocopherol on prostate cancer" and a weak association between alpha-tocopherol and prostate cancer risk.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

• The SELECT study used only one form of vitamin E -- alpha-tocopherol -- which research indicated years before the SELECT trial even began to be ineffective at preventing prostate cancer unless it was used along with another form of vitamin E, gamma-tocopherol.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011

Chances are it contains alpha-tocopherol alone; if so, look for a brand that contains mixed tocopherols which includes alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol with a high gamma relative balance.

Craig Cooper: The Real Facts About Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Craig Cooper 2011