Annatto Vitamin E

Description Annatto Vitamin E: in its purest form Exclusively tocotrienols from the annatto plant. Without tocopherols, for optimal absorption. Produced in our own factory in the Netherlands. ✓ 30, 60 or 180 capsules per pack ✓ Dutch production ✓ 100% tocopherol-free Want to know whether Annatto Vitamin E is the right choice for you? It helps to first understand which forms of vitamin E exist and what sets them apart. On this page we explain everything clearly, so you can make an informed decision. What is Vitamin E? Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that naturally occurs in a wide variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. As an antioxidant, vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage, a process in which unstable molecules, also known as free radicals, can damage healthy cells and tissues. Vitamin E is not a single substance. It is an umbrella term for eight related compounds divided into two groups: Tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol) Tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol) The most common form of vitamin E: tocopherols The most widely used form of vitamin E in supplements is alpha-tocopherol. It is the form the body absorbs most efficiently and has historically been the most researched. The majority of vitamin E supplements on the market consist largely, or even exclusively, of alpha-tocopherol. Tocopherols are derived from common vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, corn oil and soybean oil. They are widely used in the supplement market, partly because they are relatively inexpensive to produce and well documented in scientific research. A drawback of supplements containing only alpha-tocopherol is that they do not provide the other seven forms of vitamin E. While the body naturally receives a mix of tocopherols and tocotrienols through food, many standard supplements cover only a limited part of this spectrum. Annatto Vitamin E: exclusively tocotrienols This is where Annatto Vitamin E fundamentally sets itself apart. Annatto is derived from the seeds of the Bixa orellana plant, also known as the lipstick plant, and is the richest known natural source of tocotrienols. What makes Annatto Vitamin E unique is that it contains exclusively tocotrienols, specifically the two most intensively studied forms: gamma- and delta-tocotrienol. What makes tocotrienols special? Tocotrienols and tocopherols are chemically related but structurally different. Tocotrienols have an unsaturated side chain with three double bonds, while tocopherols have a saturated side chain. This makes tocotrienols more mobile in cell membranes, allowing them to act more rapidly as antioxidants (Comitato et al., 2017). Annatto Vitamin E is therefore a pure source of tocotrienols, without tocopherols. This matters: research suggests that high doses of alpha-tocopherol can inhibit the absorption of tocotrienols in the body, as both use the same absorption mechanisms. By choosing a tocopherol-free product, you ensure that tocotrienols can be utilised optimally (Uchida et al., 2012; Shibata et al., 2015). Cell protection: Annatto Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage. Pure composition: No tocopherols, exclusively gamma- and delta-tocotrienol from the annatto plant. Natural origin: Derived from the Bixa orellana plant, one of the richest known natural sources of tocotrienols. Annatto Vitamin E vs. Vitamin E Ultra Tocotrienol: what is the difference? Our supplement ‘Vitamin E Ultra Tocotrienol’ is also available. Despite the similar name, there is an important difference from a pure annatto product. Vitamin E Ultra Tocotrienol contains a blend of tocotrienols from multiple sources (such as palm oil or rice bran oil). It provides all four tocotrienol forms (alpha, beta, gamma and delta), but in varying ratios. Annatto Vitamin E on the other hand: Comes from a single, pure plant-based source: the annatto plant. Contains exclusively gamma- and delta-tocotrienol: the forms most intensively studied in research. Contains no alpha-tocotrienol and no tocopherols, eliminating any competition during absorption. Offers a standardised, predictable composition per dose. In short: looking for a broad tocotrienol spectrum? Our Vitamin E Ultra Tocotrienol may be the right option. Want a pure, concentrated gamma/delta-tocotrienol supplement without interference from tocopherols? Then Annatto Vitamin E is the more targeted choice. Which foods contain vitamin E? Vitamin E is naturally present in a wide range of foods. The richest sources are: Nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts Vegetable oils: sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil Green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, broccoli Fatty fish: salmon, trout Avocado: a good source of vitamin E combined with healthy fats Tocotrienols specifically, such as those in Annatto Vitamin E, are present only in small amounts in regular foods. To reach a therapeutic dose of 205 mg tocotrienols through diet alone, you would need to consume more than 300 grams of palm oil daily. A targeted supplement is therefore a more practical way to get sufficient tocotrienols. What is vitamin E good for? Vitamin E has long been recognised as one of the most important antioxidants the body has. The following health claims have been approved by European authorities: Antioxidant activity: Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage. Protection of cells and tissues: Vitamin E helps protect healthy cells and tissues. What does vitamin E do for your skin? Vitamin E is one of the most extensively researched ingredients in skincare, both internally and externally. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E can accumulate in skin cells, where it exerts its protective effect (Makpol et al., 2013). Cell protection: Vitamin E contributes to the protection of skin cells against oxidative damage. Free radical scavenger: As an antioxidant, vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against the effects of free radicals. Protection against UV damage: Vitamin E helps protect cells against oxidative damage caused by UV radiation. Protection against air pollution: Vitamin E helps protect cells against oxidative damage caused by air pollution. Internal supplement: A vitamin E supplement can serve as a complement to antioxidants that help protect the skin from within. In particular, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol from annatto, the forms in this supplement, are being intensively researched for their antioxidant properties in biological membranes, including those of the skin. How much vitamin E per day? The recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin E varies by country and institution, but the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the adequate intake for adults at: Men: 13 mg alpha-tocopherol per day Women: 11 mg alpha-tocopherol per day Important to note: these reference values were established for alpha-tocopherol, the most studied form of vitamin E. No separate daily reference values have yet been established by European authorities for tocotrienols. Please refer to the product label for the specific dosage of Annatto Vitamin E and follow the instructions for use. Vitamin E is fat-soluble: take the supplement preferably with a meal containing healthy fats for optimal absorption. Unsure about the right dosage for your situation? Consult one of our specialists. Explore our other vitamin E formulas Vitamin E T8 Complete – 250% better absorption Vitamin E T8 Vegan – All 8 forms in a 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 Conclusion: is Annatto Vitamin E the right choice for you? Annatto Vitamin E is a unique supplement for those who consciously choose a pure, concentrated source of tocotrienols, without tocopherols, derived directly from the annatto plant. Choose Annatto Vitamin E if you: Are specifically looking for gamma- and delta-tocotrienol Want a tocopherol-free supplement for maximum tocotrienol absorption Value a pure, plant-based and traceable source Are looking for an antioxidant supplement for the protection of cells against oxidative damage As an antioxidant, Annatto Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage, in a targeted, pure and natural way. Approved health claims: Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage Written by Marijn Lewis, PhD Science Communication & Nutritional Research at Kala Health in References Comitato, R., Ambra, R., & Virgili, F. (2017). Tocotrienols: A Family of Molecules with Specific Biological Activities. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 6(4), 93. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox6040093 Makpol, S., Jam, F., Khor, S., Ismail, Z., Yusof, Y., & Ngah, W. (2013). Comparative Effects of Biodynes, Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction, and Tocopherol in Enhancing Collagen Synthesis and Inhibiting Collagen Degradation in Stress-Induced Premature Senescence Model of Human Diploid Fibroblasts. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/298574 Shibata, A., Nakagawa, K., Tsuduki, T., & Miyazawa, T. (2015). α-Tocopherol suppresses antiangiogenic effect of δ-tocotrienol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 26(4), 345–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.11.010 Uchida, T., Abe, C., Nomura, S., Ichikawa, T., & Ikeda, S. (2012). Tissue Distribution of α- and γ-Tocotrienol and γ-Tocopherol in Rats and Interference with Their Accumulation by α-Tocopherol. Lipids, 47, 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-011-3620-7 Questions about Annatto Vitamin E? Would you like to know more about Annatto Vitamin E or do you have questions about your own situation? Our team of nutrition specialists and therapists is happy to help. Call us on ( 31) 070 345 0290 or email us at [email protected].