Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate)
Also known as: d-alpha tocopheryl acid succinate, RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate, dry vitamin E, vitamin E succinate, natural vitamin E
The succinate ester of natural (RRR or d-) alpha-tocopherol, the one vitamin E form the body maintains in plasma and the form on which the RDA is based. Esterification makes it a stable, free-flowing dry powder rather than an oil, so it is the standard vitamin E for tablets, two-piece capsules, and powder premixes. Once ingested it is hydrolyzed and absorbed as efficiently as free alpha-tocopherol. Natural d-alpha has about twice the biological activity of synthetic dl-alpha per milligram.
Research summary
Ester is cleaved to alpha-tocopherol, a chain-breaking lipid-phase antioxidant that protects cell membranes and lipoproteins from peroxidation.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (81% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mg | 67–268 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg |
NIH ODS — UL is 1,000 mg/day of supplemental alpha-tocopherol (any form) for adults 19+
Doses are mg of alpha-tocopherol. For natural d-alpha, 1 mg = 1.49 IU (so 15 mg RDA = 22.4 IU, 67 mg = 100 IU, 268 mg = 400 IU, 1,000 mg UL = 1,500 IU). Elemental fraction 0.81 is stoichiometric: alpha-tocopherol MW 430.7 divided by tocopheryl succinate MW 530.8; 100 mg alpha-tocopherol needs about 123 mg of the ester. NIH ODS reports most vitamin-E-only supplements provide at least 67 mg (100 IU). Trials in a mortality meta-analysis ranged from 16.5 to 2,000 IU/day (median 400 IU), and small groups took up to 3,200 mg for weeks; dose_max_studied is capped at the UL. Fat-soluble; take with a meal.
Standardization: ≥1,210 IU/g (d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate, USP)
Source material: vegetable oil distillate (soybean or sunflower), esterified
As supplied: Neat succinate is about 1,210 IU/g; some suppliers offer 50% dry dilutions, so check the CoA
Forms of Vitamin E
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate) | 67–268 mg | 81% | Capsule, Tablet, Powder, Softgel | mid |
| Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) | 100–400 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid, Capsule | mid |
| Tocotrienols | — | — | Softgel, Liquid, Capsule | high |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Dry powder form; ideal for tablets and capsules. For gummies or liquids use an oil form (tocopheryl acetate) instead.
Formulation notes
High doses can add to bleeding risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, especially with low vitamin K intake; NIH ODS puts the threshold above about 400 IU/day. Vitamin C regenerates oxidized tocopherol, a common pairing. Soy-derived grades may need allergen review even though refined.
- Has an upper limit
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)
VitaminA natural oil concentrate containing all four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) in roughly the proportions found in vegetable oils, usually with gamma-tocopherol dominant.
Typical: 100–400 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Spirulina
OtherSpirulina is a dried cyanobacterium (Arthrospira platensis or A.
Typical: 1–5 g
Zinc Citrate
MineralA zinc salt of citric acid with a relatively high zinc content of about 31%, giving it a compactness advantage over gluconate and picolinate.
Typical: 10–25 mg
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
VitaminSodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg