Human adipose alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol kinetics during and after 1 y of alpha-tocopherol supplementation

Alpha-tocopherol and [gamma]-tocopherol were monitored in human adipose by using needle biopsies in four subjects during a 1-y supplementation trial with 800 mg all-rac-[alpha]-tocopherol/d, and for 1 additional year after cessation of supplement. Some increase in adipose [alpha]-tocopherol (per milligram adipose cholesterol) and a more consistent decrease in [gamma]-tocopherol were observed during the supplementation period. The [alpha]-tocopherol/[gamma]-tocopherol ratio rose consistently during supplementation and fell only gradually after the supplement was stopped. We estimate that [less than or equal to] y are required for the [alpha]-tocopherol/[gamma] toccopherol ratio to reach a new steady state after a change in [alpha]-tocopherol intake. In a cross-sectional measurement in five subjects who reported long-term use of a [alpha]-tocopherol supplements ([greater than or equal to] 250 mg/d), and in five other subjects who reported no supplement use, the adipose [alpha]-tocopherol/[gamma]-tocopherol ratio clearly discriminated between the two groups (P < 0.002). This ratio may be of value in ranking individuals according to long-term [alpha-tocopherol intake.