A new in vitro study published in The Journal of Functional Foods found that treating neuronal cells with vitamin E tocotrienols and tocopherol  was associated with numerous markers of neuron cell growth and communication. These mechanisms are associated with enhanced learning, focus, and cognitive speed.
 
“The neuroprotective, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties of tocotrienols have been well documented. With past studies consistently demonstrating tocotrienols’ ability to improve learning and memory formation, our previous clinical study also supported the memory and attention-enhancing effects of tocotrienol supplementation in healthy young subjects,” the authors of the study wrote. “However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of tocotrienols in improving memory formation remain largely unknown.”
 
The vitamin E ingredient used in the study was DavosLife E3 Tocotrienols by Davos Life Science, which includes both full-spectrum tocotrienols and a-tocopherol.
 
According to the authors, treatment with the ingredient promoted neuron growth by increasing cell division and enhancing key proteins, cyclin D1 and E1, thus stimulating the creation of new neuron cells.
 
Treatment with vitamin E also activated the BDNF/TrkB pathway, which is crucial for neuron generation and synapse regulation. This pathway, along with the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways, supports the growth and functionality of neuron cells.
 
The tocotrienols ingredient also increased phosphorylation of proteins like CaMKII and GluA1, which boosted long-lasting synaptic responses which are essential for learning and memory. Long-lasting synaptic responses are involved in reaction time and neural efficiency.