BACKGROUND:
The main component in tocotrienols (T3) from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is α-T3, the vitamer with the highest bioavailability, while palm oil T3 is particularly rich in γ-T3. Unlike tocopherols, T3 are known for their cholesterogenesis-inhibiting, neuroprotective, and anticarcinogenic properties. We compared the oral bioavailabilities of T3 from barley oil (3.98 mg day-1 ) and T3 from palm oil (3.36 mg day-1 ) in nanoemulsified formulations (NE) and self-emulsifying systems (SES) using hen’s eggs as a bioindicator. Furthermore, we compared the transfer efficiencies into egg yolk of barley oil T3 with that of palm oil T3, and the effects on egg cholesterol levels.
RESULTS:
Nanoemulsification led to T3 levels (132.9 µg egg-1 ) higher than with non-emulsified barley oil (112.8 µg egg-1 ) and barley oil SES (116.7 µg egg-1 ), due to the high proportions of α-T3 (99-117 µg egg-1 ), which has a particularly high transfer efficiency (4.32%-6.75%). T3 contents of eggs from hens fed barley oil supplements (112-132 µg egg-1 ) were significantly higher than those fed palm oil supplements (70-78 µg egg-1 ). Addition of barley and palm oils to laying hen feed decreased egg yolk cholesterol by 4% and 6%, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
Results from this animal study may help to establish T3 from barley as dietary supplement and to develop nutritionally improved hen eggs.