Dr. Barrie Tan: The Pioneer Behind Tocotrienols and DeltaGold®

Dr. Barrie Tan is a pioneering scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur renowned for his groundbreaking work with vitamin E, specifically in the discovery and development of tocotrienols. His contributions have had a lasting impact on nutritional science and supplementation, bringing attention to the lesser-known forms of vitamin E and unveiling their unique health benefits. Dr. Tan’s dedication to advancing the knowledge of vitamin E led to the creation of DeltaGold®, a tocotrienol-rich supplement derived from a natural, plant-based source. This article explores Dr. Tan’s achievements, his discovery of tocotrienols, and the innovative product DeltaGold® that has since transformed the landscape of vitamin E supplementation.

 

The Discovery of Tocotrienols

Vitamin E was historically synonymous with tocopherols, a group of compounds that possess well-documented antioxidant properties. However, in the 1980s, Dr. Tan discovered another group of compounds within the vitamin E family known as tocotrienols. Unlike tocopherols, which had been the primary focus of vitamin E research, tocotrienols were relatively unknown. Through his research, Dr. Tan found that these compounds had a unique molecular structure that gave them potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties distinct from those of tocopherols.

The discovery of tocotrienols marked a significant advancement in the understanding of vitamin E. Tocotrienols are composed of four isomers—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta—with delta-tocotrienol showing the most promise in terms of health benefits. Dr. Tan’s initial work led him to explore tocotrienols in depth, uncovering their remarkable abilities to support cardiovascular health, promote brain function, and even demonstrate anti-cancer properties. His dedication to this field has helped distinguish tocotrienols as a powerful, unique, and complementary form of vitamin E.

 

Dr. Tan’s Journey to the Annatto Plant

Dr. Tan’s quest for an optimal tocotrienol source took him on an extensive search that spanned different natural oils and plants. He eventually discovered that the annatto plant (Bixa Orellana), native to South America, contained one of the purest sources of delta- and gamma-tocotrienol. Unlike other vitamin E sources, such as palm or rice bran oil, annatto contains tocotrienols without any tocopherols, which allowed Dr. Tan to harness the unique health benefits of tocotrienols alone. This was a critical discovery, as research indicated that tocopherols could potentially interfere with the absorption and efficacy of tocotrienols.

Annatto became a groundbreaking source of delta- and gamma-tocotrienol, thanks to its high concentration of these compounds and the absence of tocopherols. This unique composition allowed for a purer, more potent form of tocotrienol to be developed, leading Dr. Tan to create DeltaGold®.

 

The Creation of DeltaGold®

As a result of his annatto discovery, Dr. Tan developed DeltaGold®, a tocotrienol supplement containing pure delta- and gamma-tocotrienols extracted from the annatto plant. DeltaGold® was the first of its kind, providing a concentrated dose of tocotrienols without the interference of tocopherols. This purity allows users to fully benefit from tocotrienols' health-promoting properties, supporting cardiovascular health, brain function, and skin health.

DeltaGold® has since become the most widely recognized and studied tocotrienol supplement on the market, with studies supporting its efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol, promoting arterial health, protecting brain cells, and even enhancing skin health. Dr. Tan’s research has shown that delta-tocotrienol, in particular, can significantly improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and offer neuroprotective benefits, making it a valuable addition to modern health regimens.

 

Health Benefits of Tocotrienols

Research on DeltaGold® and tocotrienols has revealed several noteworthy health benefits, many of which are supported by clinical trials and scientific studies. Some of the most significant benefits include:

Cardiovascular Health

One of the most well-established benefits of tocotrienols is their ability to support heart health. DeltaGold® tocotrienols have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol), which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Tocotrienols work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in cholesterol synthesis. This effect is similar to the mechanism of statin drugs but without the associated side effects.

Neuroprotective Benefits

The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage, a key factor in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Tocotrienols have shown potential in protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Studies on delta-tocotrienol specifically indicate that it can help prevent brain cell death by inhibiting certain pathways associated with neurodegeneration, making it a promising supplement for maintaining cognitive health.

Skin Health

The antioxidant properties of tocotrienols also extend to skin health. DeltaGold®’s tocotrienols have been found to protect skin cells from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants, helping to slow the aging process and maintain skin elasticity. Some studies suggest that tocotrienols may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, offering a natural way to support healthy, youthful skin.

Cancer-Fighting Potential

Tocotrienols have demonstrated unique anti-cancer properties in preliminary studies. Delta- and gamma-tocotrienols from DeltaGold® have shown potential in inhibiting tumor growth and preventing angiogenesis, a process that tumors use to form new blood vessels and sustain their growth. Research is ongoing, but tocotrienols’ ability to target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones could make them a valuable complement to conventional cancer treatments.

 

Barrie Tan’s Legacy and Impact

Dr. Barrie Tan’s discovery and development of tocotrienols from annatto have contributed immensely to the field of nutritional science. His research has not only introduced the world to the unique benefits of tocotrienols but has also shifted the perspective on vitamin E supplementation. Through his work, Dr. Tan has highlighted the need to differentiate between tocopherols and tocotrienols, emphasizing that they serve distinct roles and offer different health benefits.

Dr. Tan’s journey with DeltaGold® is also a testament to his commitment to natural, plant-based solutions for human health. His dedication to finding the optimal tocotrienol source led him to the annatto plant, which has allowed millions to experience the benefits of tocotrienols. Today, Dr. Tan continues to be a prominent voice in the world of nutrition, advocating for greater awareness of tocotrienols and supporting ongoing research on their health benefits.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Barrie Tan’s discovery of tocotrienols and the development of DeltaGold® has had a lasting impact on the field of nutritional science. His work has not only expanded our understanding of vitamin E but has also introduced a powerful new nutrient with wide-ranging health benefits. DeltaGold® remains a testament to Dr. Tan’s dedication to uncovering nature’s secrets and developing supplements that support health in a holistic and scientifically grounded way. As research on tocotrienols continues to grow, Dr. Tan’s contributions to health and wellness will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of nutrition.