Determination of tocotrienol and tocopherol isomers at physiological concentration by HPLC in Caucasian and Japanese women.

A sensitive, specific and simple method for simultaneous evaluation of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers in human serum by normal phase HPLC with a fluorescence detector has been developed. Tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers are measurable in physiological concentration in human serum by this method. There is no significant difference in serum alpha- and beta-tocopherols and alpha-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols between Caucasian and Japanese subjects. However, serum gamma- and delta-tocopherol concentrations in Japanese women are significantly higher than in Caucasian women.