Vitamin E

Vitamin E comprises eight naturally occurring compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). Alpha-tocopherol is preferentially retained in the body via the hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein and is the form that meets human vitamin E requirements. As the primary lipid-soluble antioxidant in cell membranes, vitamin E terminates lipid peroxidation chain reactions by donating a hydrogen atom to peroxyl radicals, thereby protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Beyond antioxidant activity, vitamin E modulates immune function by enhancing T-cell mediated immunity, inhibits platelet aggregation, and influences gene expression through regulation of protein kinase C and other signaling molecules. While clinical deficiency is rare and typically limited to fat malabsorption disorders, optimal intake supports cardiovascular health and immune resilience.