Supplements in practice - Vitamin E

Question 1

Vitamin E:

Answer 1

There are two types of vitamin E available as supplements:
1. Natural form: D-alpha-tocopherol most commonly used.
* 1.4 times more biologically active than the synthetic form and retained in the body more efficiently.
2. Synthetic form: DL or dl-alpha-tocopherol (petrochemical source).
* Synthetic dl form may inhibit the natural d form from entering cells.

• Alpha-tocopherol in dietary supplements and fortified foods is often esterified to prolong its shelf life and protect its antioxidant properties. The body hydrolyses and absorbs these esters (alpha-tocopheryl acetate and succinate) as efficiently as alpha-tocopherol.
  Esterification = the chemical reaction in which two reactants form an ester