Vitamin E is a term used to refer to eight molecules, which are divided into two categories: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each category is further divided up into alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), and delta (δ) vitamers. The vitamer α-tocopherol is considered to be the ‘main’ vitamer, but the gammas (γ-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol) are also popular research topics, due to their presence in the diet. Collectively, these compounds are called vitamin E. Vitamin E supplements almost always contain α-tocopherol.
| Is a Form Of | |
|---|---|
| Other Functions | Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory |
| Primary Function | General Health |
| Also Known As | Tocopherols, Tocotrienols |
| Goes Well With |
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Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin E in the body can be achieved through very low daily doses of 15mg (22.4 IU) or less. This dose of vitamin E can be acquired through the diet, making supplementation unnecessary in many cases. An elderly person supplementing vitamin E to improve immunity should take a 50-200mg dose.
