Does γ-Tocopherol Play a Role in the Primary Prevention of Heart Disease and Cancer? A Review

Abstract

Vitamin E consists of a group of eight isomers, four tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocopherol) and four tocotrienols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-tocotrienol). While extensive literature has been published on the potential health benefits of α-tocopherol, little is known about γ-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E in food in the U.S. γ-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 γ-tocopherol in humans. In this article, we review publications on dietary γ-tocopherol intake, plasma γ-tocopherol levels, cardiovascular disease and cancer risk in humans.