Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)
Also known as: mixed tocopherols, d-mixed tocopherols, gamma-tocopherol rich tocopherols, tocopherol complex, full-spectrum vitamin E
A natural oil concentrate containing all four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) in roughly the proportions found in vegetable oils, usually with gamma-tocopherol dominant. NIH ODS notes that most vitamin E in the American diet is gamma-tocopherol from soybean, canola, and corn oils, and that mixed-tocopherol supplements exist alongside alpha-only products. Formulators choose it to mirror food vitamin E, for its antioxidant use in oils, or to avoid the gamma-tocopherol suppression seen with large alpha-only doses.
Research summary
All tocopherols scavenge lipid peroxyl radicals; gamma-tocopherol also traps reactive nitrogen species, though only alpha-tocopherol is retained in plasma by the hepatic transfer protein.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 100–400 mg | 500 mg | 1,000 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 1,000 mg/day applies to supplemental alpha-tocopherol; applied here to total tocopherols as a conservative ceiling
Doses are mg of total tocopherols as supplied. Only the alpha-tocopherol fraction (often 10 to 20 percent of a gamma-rich concentrate; check the CoA) counts toward the 15 mg RDA and DV and the 1,000 mg UL. A 7-day trial in healthy smokers used 500 mg/day of a gamma-tocopherol-rich mixture. The 100 to 400 mg typical range reflects common market products rather than a dose-finding study. Fat-soluble; take with food.
Standardization: typically ≥50% to 70% total tocopherols, gamma-dominant (verify alpha content on CoA)
Source material: soybean or sunflower oil deodorizer distillate
As supplied: Sold as oil concentrates of varying total-tocopherol assay (for example 50%, 70%, 95%); raw material mass = dose divided by assay
Forms of Vitamin E
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) | 100–400 mg | — | Softgel, Liquid, Capsule | mid |
| Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate) | 67–268 mg | 81% | Capsule, Tablet, Powder, Softgel | mid |
| Tocotrienols | — | — | Softgel, Liquid, Capsule | high |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Oil; softgel or liquid. Capsules only with an absorbed or microencapsulated powder grade. Dry powder versions are separate raw materials.
Formulation notes
Widely used at low levels as a natural antioxidant in fish oil and other oil softgels. Same anticoagulant caution as other high-dose vitamin E. Soy-derived grades carry a possible soy allergen label consideration; sunflower grades avoid this.
- Has an upper limit
- Allergen: soy
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin E (d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate)
VitaminThe 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.
Typical: 67–268 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