Unfortunately, no. The average American diet only provides 2mg of tocotrienol per day, a mere 1-2% of the expected daily amount. Therefore, supplementation is needed to obtain adequate antioxidant protection.

The recommended dose for a person with a mild chronic condition is 300-450mg per day, and for a person with an advanced chronic condition, 450-600mg per day. Clinical trials indicate that the highest dose taken safely for 24 months is 900mg per day. Most indications call for 300-600mg per day dosages.

Tocotrienol is lipid soluble so it is best consumed with a meal. Up to 300mg of tocotrienol can be taken at each meal to allow the ease of absorption. Higher doses should be taken apart at different meals. It should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Yes, supplementing alpha-tocopherol will interfere with tocotrienol benefits. But don’t worry, there is usually no need to supplement alpha-tocopherol as you likely obtain the recommended 15mg/day through diet alone.

There is usually no contraindication to tocotrienol usage with medicines, although it is wise to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any nutritional supplement plan.

In studies at Brunswick Laboratories, Dr. Boxin Ou compared the ORAC value of DeltaGold® to tocopherol and mixed tocotrienols, and found that the antioxidant potential from DeltaGold® is much higher than that of the other compounds studied.

In addition, Ohio State University found that delta- and gamma-tocotrienol (as in DeltaGold®) protect lard from oxidation at low levels of just 100 ppm. The USDA lab and University of Georgia both published articles stating that DeltaGold® is effective in protecting fats in deep frying and omega-3s in infant formulas.

Dr. Lester Packer of the University of California/Berkeley also showed that, as antioxidants, tocotrienols are 40-60 times more potent than tocopherols.

In clinical studies delta-tocotrienol increased other endogenous antioxidants.

Tocotrienols are very stable and tocotrienol in softgels are even more stable. They remain at the same potency for at least three years at room temperature. Refrigeration is not necessary.

You want to think about antioxidants and anti-inflammatories — in addition to compounds for your immune and cardio system. A diet of fish, kale, carrots, oatmeal, other nutritious cereals, citrus fruits, and dairy can give you almost what you need. But here’s a starter list to go by if you are looking for supplements:

*Up to 300mg of tocotrienol can be taken at each meal. Higher doses should be taken apart at different meals.
**L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC)

Tocotrienols are not meant to replace antioxidant foods. Tocotrienols enhance your diet for better health. Supplements are called “supplements” for a reason, they are not called “substitutions.” You should always try to eat a variety of healthy, whole foods.