What is Vitamin E (E Vitamin)?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, primary lipid-phase antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage; it exists in eight forms in nature as tocopherols and tocotrienols. The biologically most active form is alpha-tocopherol; for stability in commercial products, alpha-tocopheryl acetate is typically used. It stops free radical chain reactions in membrane lipids.
- CAS number (main form): 1406-18-4
- Molecular formula: C₂₉H₅₀O₂
- Forms in the catalog: Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, NHU, Alpha Tocopherol, BASF, Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, BASF
What is Vitamin E used for? Why is it used?
Vitamin E is the primary lipid-phase antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and holds the EFSA-approved claim of 'protection of cells from oxidative stress.' Free alpha-tocopherol is preferred for direct antioxidant effect, while alpha-tocopheryl acetate is chosen for long shelf life and stability. Due to its wide UL value (300 mg), the safety margin is higher compared to A/D.
Forms and Differences
Vitamin E is available in different chemical forms; the choice of form depends on bioavailability, stability, and intended use:
- Alpha-tocopherol (free): The biologically most active form of Vitamin E, carrying a free phenolic hydroxyl group; it has direct antioxidant (radical scavenging) activity. It exists as RRR- (natural) and all-rac- (synthetic) isomers; the natural form has higher bioactivity.
- Alpha-tocopheryl acetate: The acetate ester of alpha-tocopherol; it is much more stable against oxidation because the hydroxyl group is protected, and it is the standard in commercial supplements/food forms. Hydrolysis of the ester in the intestine is required for antioxidant effect; therefore, it is a biological source of Vitamin E rather than an in vitro antioxidant.
- Mixed tocopherols (beta/gamma/delta): Natural Vitamin E complex; gamma-tocopherol is particularly effective against certain nitrogen radicals. The EFSA health claim is primarily for alpha-tocopherol; other tocopherols are also used as food antioxidants.
- Tocotrienols: Unsaturated side-chain members of the Vitamin E family (for informational purposes). They show a different distribution than alpha-tocopherol; the EFSA-approved health claim is specific to alpha-tocopherol.
Use in Dietary Supplements
- Forms used: The most common form in supplements is alpha-tocopheryl acetate (stable); natural (RRR-) and synthetic (all-rac-) alpha-tocopherol are also used. Soft gel, capsule, and oily liquid forms are available.
- Dosage and unit: Expressed as mg of alpha-tocopherol equivalent (α-TE); converted from the old IU unit. The NRV is 12 mg; products are generally formulated between the NRV and UL. The EFSA adult UL value is 300 mg/day.
- For whom: Used in cases of fat malabsorption, very low-fat diets, and increased oxidative load. Significant deficiency is rare in healthy individuals.
- Mode of intake: As a fat-soluble vitamin, its absorption increases significantly when taken with a meal containing fat.
Use in the Food Industry
- Fortification and nutrient source: Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is used to fortify vegetable oils, margarine, breakfast cereals, and baby/special nutrition products with Vitamin E; the acetate form is stable throughout the shelf life.
- Function as food antioxidant: Free tocopherols (especially mixed tocopherols, E306–E309) are also used as natural antioxidant additives that delay rancidity in oils and oily foods; this is a technological function separate from nutritional fortification.
- Stability: Free alpha-tocopherol is highly prone to oxidation; therefore, the ester (acetate) form and, if necessary, microencapsulation are preferred for nutritional fortification.
Effects on Health
Vitamin E is a vitamin that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Protection from oxidative stress: Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (EFSA-approved health claim); this, valid for alpha-tocopherol, is the only major functional claim approved by EFSA.
- Protection of membrane lipids: Alpha-tocopherol protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from lipid peroxidation; it supports membrane integrity by interrupting the radical chain reaction.
- Interaction with the antioxidant defense network: Vitamin E functions as part of cellular antioxidant defense along with other antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C) (the physiological basis for the protection from oxidative stress claim).
- Deficiency state: Severe and long-term Vitamin E deficiency is associated with neurological symptoms and membrane damage; it demonstrates the clinical importance of oxidative protection.
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): NRV (1169/2011, Annex XIII): Vitamin E 12 mg (alpha-tocopherol equivalent).
- Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA UL: adult 300 mg/day (alpha-tocopherol; maintained in the 2024 opinion).
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Within the scope of the Turkish Dietary Supplements Regulation, Vitamin E is an permitted vitamin and is declared on the label in mg/NRV%; for the exact maximum amount per product, current Regulation annexes and TİTCK guidelines should be taken as reference (a single official number could not be confirmed in this research — no fabricated value has been given).
It is fat-soluble but has a lower toxicity risk compared to A and D; very high doses may increase bleeding tendency and require caution in those using anticoagulants.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥50% |
| Appearance | White Granular Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Oil |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, use, and effects of this vitamin (study types are indicated):
- PubMed 17272491 — The effect of alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherol supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in Type 2 diabetes (randomized controlled trial)
- PubMed 36552531 — Antioxidant supplementation in diseases related to oxidative stress: implications from alpha-tocopherol studies (review)
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Vitamin E.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.