Terrific Tocotrienols with Dr. Barrie Tan | Rational Wellness Podcast 462

Dr. Barrie Tan on Tocotrienols: Annatto Vitamin E, Lipid Antioxidant Protection, and Clinical Uses

 

Dr. Ben Weitz hosts Dr. Barrie Tan to discuss tocotrienols, lesser-known vitamin E family members (eight total: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) that differ from common alpha-tocopherol-only supplements. Tan describes discovering tocotrienols in annatto in South America, noting annatto is uniquely tocopherol-free and rich in delta and gamma tocotrienols. He argues alpha-tocopherol is only clearly tied to bringing a fetus to full term and that excess alpha-tocopherol can antagonize tocotrienol absorption and clinical results. Tan emphasizes tocotrienols as superior lipid antioxidants that protect cell-membrane phospholipids and help stabilize omega-3 oils, and reviews studies and proposed benefits across fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, dyslipidemia, inflammation markers, bone density in post-menopausal women and obesity, plaque-related endpoints, and selected cancers, plus discussion of radiation/antioxidant concerns and dosing ranges used in trials.

00:00 Show Intro and Mission

00:59 Meet Dr Barrie Tan

03:12 Annatto Discovery Story

08:03 Tocotrienols vs Tocopherols

11:20 Lipid Antioxidant Explained

16:16 Omega 3 Protection Strategy

20:34 Alpha Tocopherol Antagonism

24:26 Clinical Wins and Conditions

25:53 Obesity Study Results

30:33 Cancer Research and Ferroptosis

31:40 Delta Gamma Standouts

32:10 Iron Overload Ferroptosis Link

33:57 Apollo Wearable Sponsor

35:27 Antioxidants During Cancer Therapy

38:05 Radiation Countermeasure Evidence

43:31 Cancer Dosage Guidance

45:35 Heart Metabolic Benefits

49:35 Statins CoQ10 GG Explained

54:28 Black Seed Oil Combo

55:47 Books Vitamin K Wrap Up

58:10 Podcast Closing Credits

 

Dr. Barrie Tan has a PhD in chemistry and he's spent his life dedicated to researching vitamin E, among other nutritional compounds. Dr. Tan was chief science officer for Designs For health from 2018 to 2025. He's currently senior advisor for Everwell health and he is credited with discovering tocotrienols in palm, rice, and annatto, with annatto being the most efficient source. 

 

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.