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Research article2008Peer reviewed

Sex differences in the inhibition of gamma-tocopherol metabolism by a single dose of dietary sesame oil in healthy subjects

Frank, Jan; Lee, Sangeun; Leonard, Scott W.; Atkinson, Jeffrey K.; Kamal-Eldin, Afaf; Traber, Maret G.

Abstract

Background: gamma-Tocopherol has unique properties that may be beneficial in sustaining optimal human health, but hepatic vitamin E metabolism enhances gamma-tocopherol turnover.Objective: Our aim was to determine the extent to which dietary sesame lignans alter human alpha- and gamma-tocopherol metabolism and elimination as carboxyethyl hydroxychromanols (CEHCs).Design: Healthy participants (n = 5 women and 5 men) in a randomized, crossover study (with 4-wk washout) consumed muffins prepared with either corn oil or unrefined sesame oil (sesamin, 94 mg; sesamolin, 42 mg), along with a capsule containing a 1: 1 molar ratio of deuterium-labeled d(6)-alpha- and d(2)-gamma-tocopherol acetates (approximate to 50 mg each). Plasma and urine were collected up to 72 h; unlabeled and labeled tocopherol and CEHC concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results: Sesame oil muffin consumption in men, but not in women, decreased (P < 0.05) areas under plasma d(2)-,gamma-CEHC concentration-time curves (area under the curve) and maximum concentrations. However, in both sexes urinary d(2)-gamma-CEHCs were decreased for 24 h following sesame oil muffin consumption.Conclusions: In humans, gamma-tocopherol metabolism can be inhibited by the simultaneous consumption of gamma-tocopherol and sesame lignans. The observed differences between men and women with respect to vitamin E metabolism warrant further investigation.

Published in

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
2008, Volume: 87, number: 6, pages: 1723-1729
Publisher: AMER SOC CLINICAL NUTRITION