What Is alpha-Tocotrienol & What Foods Can I Find It In?

3D-model of alpha-Tocotrienol (src)

alpha-Tocotrienol, α-tocotrienol, is one of eight members of the group that collectively are called Vitamin E, and one of four tocotrienols.

All tocotrienols have some physical antioxidant activity, depending on the type of antioxidant performance being measured.

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alpha-Tocotrienol Is A Form Of Vitamin E

Tocotrienols are the unsaturated forms of vitamin E.

In foods are alpha and beta tocotrienols are found at higher levels, than gamma and delta tocotrienols. (source )

Naturally occurring vitamin E is a mixture of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. (source )

alpha-Tocotrienol In Oils

alpha-Tocotrienol is one of the forms of vitamin E. It is commonly found in vegetable oils and nuts.

In our daily life, most of us consume quite a lot of oils, therefore, our intake of alpha-tocotrienol is often much higher than other forms of vitamin E.

Tocotrienols Works As Antioxidants

Compared to tocopherols, tocotrienols are poorly studied. (source )

But interest in this area is growing.

It appears that tocotrienols may even be more potent antioxidants than tocopherols. (source )

alpha-Tocotrienol has been linked to be beneficial in cancer treatment.

It has been shown through research to have some anticancer activity.

Foods You Can Find alpha-Tocotrienol In

Paprika powder in a bowl
You can find alpha-tocotrienol in paprika powder

You find alpha-Tocotrienol mostly in baby food, spices and herbs, oils and baked products.

Examples of food sources include

Foods in our nutrition tool

You can find regularly updated, top ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.

If you are interested in what foods contain the most alpha-Tocotrienol, we recommend you visit our tool.

Here's our top ranked list of foods that contain alpha-Tocotrienol.

Sara Niemelä

co-founder Care Omnia, Head Content Creator

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Nutrition is my passion. I've spent thousands upon thousands of hours reading, analyzing, categorizing and comparing research studies.

I’m a wife and a mother of three. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and spending time with my family.