Jarrow GAMMA E 300™

contains gamma tocopherol, one of the eight members of the vitamin E family found concentrated in plant seeds and vegetable oils. Typical Vitamin E supplements only offer d-alpha tocopherol, which has been shown to deplete serum gamma tocopherol and alpha tocotrienol. Gamma tocopherol is especially protective against reactive nitrogen species which damage lipids, proteins and DNA.

Research has shown that gamma tocopherol is metabolized more efficiently by the body than is alpha-tocopherol. When both forms of vitamin E are taken together, the water-soluble metabolite of gamma tocopherol appears more quickly in the blood. Similarly, gamma tocopherol is selectively taken up by cells and removed from plasma more rapidly than is alpha-tocopherol. This may be related to the fact that it is gamma tocopherol rather than alpha- tocopherol that primarily resides on cell membranes and protects the lipid membrane layer against oxidation.

Gamma E 300™ may be particularly important for supporting immune functioning. gamma tocopherol appears to play a significant role in modulating intracellular antioxidant defense mechanisms. Macrophages in one study showed a greater uptake of gamma tocopherol compared to alpha-tocopherol. In addition, the presence of gamma tocopherol promoted the cellular uptake of alpha-tocopherol. Moreover, gamma-tocopherol and its major metabolite, in contrast to alpha-tocopherol, inhibit cyclooxygenase activity in macrophages and epithelial cells.

According to Dallas Clouatre, consultant for Jarrow Formulas, the potential health benefits of alpha-tocopherol supplements are offset by deleterious changes in the bioavailability and/or bioactivity of other nutrients. “In one study, prior vitamin E supplement users (i.e., supplementing only alpha-tocopherol) had significantly lower serum gamma-tocopherol than did non-supplementers,” says Clouatre. “In view of the potential benefits of gamma- and delta-tocopherol, the efficacy of alpha-tocopherol supplementation may be reduced due to decreases in serum gamma- and delta-tocopherol levels. Therefore, a growing body of scientists is recommending that vitamin E supplements contain significant amounts of gamma- and delta-tocopherols. Gamma E 300™ is the answer to this call and may help fulfill the health promise of vitamin E by at last making all the natural forms of vitamin E available in significant amounts.”