There are 8 different forms of vitamin E: 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. The difference between tocopherols and tocotrienols is that the former have a saturated tail, while the latter have an unsaturated tail. Within tocopherols and tocotrienols, the difference between the different forms is the position of the methyl groups on the ring. The 4 different forms within the tocopherol and tocotrienols are designated by the Greek letters: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The difference in these structures is shown in the figures below.

Figure 9.21 Structures of the different forms of vitamin E

For reasons that will be covered in a later subsection, the primary form of vitamin E found in the body is alpha-tocopherol. The major, and possibly only, function of vitamin E is as an antioxidant. When it serves as an antioxidant it forms an alpha-tocopherol radical, as shown below.

Figure 9.23 Alpha-tocopherol radical¹

Alpha-tocopherol is believed to be the first part of an antioxidant network (shown below) where it is oxidized to donate an electron to stabilize reactive oxygen species. Alpha-tocopherol radical can then be reduced by the donation of an electron from ascorbate.

Figure 9.24 The theorized antioxidant network²

To help protect the antioxidant function of alpha-tocopherol (by preventing the formation of alpha-tocopherol radical) in foods and during digestion, some manufacturers have added compounds to this site of alpha-tocopherol through ester bonds. These are referred to as alpha-tocopherol derivatives or alpha-tocopherol esters. The most common forms are alpha-tocopherol acetate, alpha-tocopherol succinate, and alpha-tocopherol phosphate (Ester-E®). The figures below show the structure of alpha-tocopherol acetate, and the structure of succinic acid.

Figure 9.25 Alpha-tocopherol acetate

Figure 9.26 Succinic acid³

Alpha-tocopherol derivatives, such as acetate in alpha-tocopherol acetate, are cleaved prior to absorption in the small intestine by esterases, meaning that alpha-tocopherol is absorbed, not the alpha-tocopherol derivative.

Subsections:

9.21 Alpha-Tocopherol: Natural vs. Synthetic

9.22 Absorption, Metabolism & Excretion of Vitamin E

9.23 Dietary Vitamin E & Amounts Found in Body

9.24 Vitamin E Deficiency & Toxicity

9.25 Vitamin E DRI & IUs

References & Links

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radical_(chemistry)#/media/File:VitE.gif

2. Packer L, Weber SU, Rimbach G. (2001) Molecular aspects of alpha-tocotrienol antioxidant action and cell signalling. J Nutr 131(2): 369S-373S

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bernsteins%C3%A4ure2.svg