Vitamin E

Buy Vitamin E: Natural and Synthetic Tocopherol in Softgels

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. It is a collective term for a group of related substances, the tocopherols and tocotrienols, of which alpha-tocopherol is the best-known form. Vitamin E occurs naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. In our range, you will find vitamin E as softgels with natural or synthetic alpha-tocopherol, plus combinations with vegetable oils and multivitamins and ADEK complexes in which vitamin E is included.

What is vitamin E and what does it do?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. According to the permitted health claim, vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Chemically, vitamin E is not a single substance, but a group of eight related compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is considered the standard for vitamin E activity. The label states how much vitamin E is provided per serving, expressed in milligrams or international units (IU).

Natural or synthetic vitamin E?

Vitamin E in supplements exists in a natural and a synthetic form. The natural form is designated with the prefix d-, such as d-alpha-tocopherol, and is obtained from vegetable oils. The synthetic form is called dl-alpha-tocopherol and is made in a laboratory. On the label, you can tell which form it is by the designation (d- or dl-). In our range, you will find products with natural d-alpha-tocopherol, among others.

Where is vitamin E found?

Vitamin E occurs naturally mainly in vegetable fats. Good sources are vegetable oils such as sunflower, wheat germ, and olive oil, nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts, seeds such as sunflower seeds, and in smaller amounts green leafy vegetables and avocado. Because vitamin E is in fat, its intake often goes along with the fat intake from food. A varied diet with nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils usually provides sufficient vitamin E, while a supplement can be a complement.

Vitamin E in cosmetics and as a supplement

Vitamin E is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products, where it is often listed on the packaging as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate. There it is used, among other things, to extend the shelf life of the product. With vitamin E as a dietary supplement, it is about intake via capsules; the permitted health claim states that vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. The distinction between intake (supplement) and external use (cosmetics) is important here.

What forms of vitamin E supplements are there?

Vitamin E is mainly available as softgels, because the fat-soluble vitamin fits well in an oil base. The dosages are indicated in milligrams or international units, for example 400 IU per softgel. In addition, you will find vitamin E in combination with vegetable oils such as pumpkin seed oil, and as part of multivitamins and ADEK complexes in which the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K are combined. When comparing, look at the amount of vitamin E per serving and whether it is a natural or synthetic form.

How much vitamin E per day?

The reference intake (RI) of vitamin E is 12 mg per day. Many supplements provide a higher dosage. Because vitamin E is fat-soluble, the body stores an excess, so it is wise not to significantly exceed the recommended dosage for a long period. Follow the directions for use on the packaging and, if in doubt, if taking medication (for example blood thinners) or during pregnancy, ask a doctor for advice beforehand.

Buy vitamin E: what to look for?

When choosing a vitamin E supplement, a few points are important. Look at the amount of vitamin E per serving and whether it is the natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) or synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) form. Determine whether you are looking for a separate vitamin E product or a broader complex such as a multivitamin or ADEK. Pay attention to the dosage form, usually softgels. For related products, also view our collections Antioxidants and Vitamins.