Research in the past decade shows that the commonly used non-desmethyl vitamin Es (e.g., alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol) do not share the beneficial effects of desmethyl vitamin Es (e.g., gamma and delta isomers of tocopherols and tocotrienols). Research also shows that high levels of alpha-tocopherol may attenuate the bioavailability and functional activity of other vitamin E isomers. In general, desmethyl tocotrienols are much more bioactive than desmethyl tocopherols, especially in cancer inhibition. This paper delineates the role of desmethyl tocopherols and desmethyl tocotrienols in biological studies and in human health. A new perspective is presented for applications of delta-tocotrienol, gamma-tocotrienol, delta-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol that are consistent with the emerging science of vitamin E. The paper concludes that formulated vitamin E should be “appropriate spectrum” and not merely “full spectrum” based on 35-40 mg of daily consumption (DC) of vitamin E in foods. Formulated “appropriate spectrum” vitamin E should more closely reflect the composition of our diet, and is therefore well suited for maintenance; (1X DC); prevention (10X DC) and treatment (50-200 mg/day desmethyl tocotrienols) formulations may require higher doses. Diversity brings out the best in unique cultures. This diversity can be appreciated not only in human societies but also in the plant kingdom. For example, there are in excess of 600 naturally occurring carotenoids in plants yet only a handful, namely beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein, are actively being researched. Similarly, there are more than twelve vitamin Es found in nature but only alpha-tocopherol is primarily being studied. This paper calls into question the suitability of unqualified use of large doses of alpha-tocopherol as well as the unqualified use of the “full spectrum” vitamin E. The advent of “appropriate spectrum” vitamin E for human health is a derivative concept1 from punctuated research development. This review addresses recent research developments to delineate the functional roles of desmethyl tocotrienols and desmethyl tocopherols apart from common alpha-tocopherol.
