Consumption of sesame oil muffins decreases the urinary excretion of γ-tocopherol metabolites in humans

Sesame seed and oil consumption previously increased human plasma γ-tocopherol (γ-T) concentrations. This was attributed to the sesame lignans sesamin and sesamolin. Here, we studied the inhibition of vitamin E metabolism by a single dose of sesame oil lignans coingested with deuterated α- and γ-tocopherols in human volunteers. The urinary excretion of γ-T metabolites was significantly lower in sesame oil treated than in control subjects. Concentrations of tocopherols in blood were not affected by the treatment. In conclusion, a single dose of sesame oil, containing 136 mg sesame lignans (sesamin and sesamolin), reduces the urinary excretion of co-administered γ-T in humans.