Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol. Among them, D-Alpha Tocopherol has the highest activity and is also the main form in nature.
Tocopherols are mainly found in corn oil, soybean oil and olive oil. Natural vitamin E contains four molecular components: alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and delta-tocopherol. The order of their biological activities is α-tocopherol>β-tocopherol>γ-tocopherol>δ-tocopherol. Among them, α-tocopherol has the highest activity, the widest distribution, and the most representative. Especially, D-α-tocopherol has the highest biological activity.
Alpha-tocopherol is a member of an eight-member family of bionutrients commonly referred to as vitamin E. It is an antioxidant thought to boost immunity, prevent aging, and possibly prevent cancer and other diseases because of its ability to control free radicals. This form of vitamin E is also thought to relieve and prevent inflammation.
Alpha-tocopherol is considered the most bioavailable. This means the body can handle and use it more easily. The researchers found that the body is likely to reject other forms of vitamin E. However, alpha-tocopherol is available as a supplement or as a multivitamin.
Nutritionists consider D-α tocopherol to be the highest quality vitamin E. Synthetic forms of vitamin E are dl-a-tocopheryl succinate or dl-a-tocopheryl acetate in foods. Almost all studies show that less than 50% of synthetic vitamin E is bioavailable to the human body. Whereas, natural vitamin E is generally 100% bioavailable.
D-Alpha tocopherol is a natural antioxidant extracted from edible vegetable oils. It can be widely used in food, dietary supplements, feed, cosmetics and other fields. Its main function is to protect the finished product from oxidation. Because of this, they can extend the shelf life of the product.