Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols

Tocopherols (CAS 1406-66-2), also sold under E306, are a family of naturally derived fat-soluble antioxidants extracted primarily from vegetable oils.

Where is Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols used?

• Food manufacturing: extend shelf life of edible oils, fats, margarines and fat-based spreads
• Pharmaceutical: antioxidants in oil-based drug formulations, softgel capsules and nutritional supplements
• Animal feed: protect fat-soluble nutrients and feed fats from oxidation during storage and pelleting
• Personal care: antioxidant preservative and moisturizing active in emollient-rich creams, serums and hair oils
• They function as oxidative stabilizers in commercial formulations.
• Used in nutritional bars.
• Used in dressings, sauces and spreads.

Good to know: USP and Ph. Eur. grades are available for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use requiring documented purity and compliance.

Formulation notes

• A balanced ratio requires approximately 0.5 mg vitamin E per gram of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Typical specification

• Available in specifications of 95%, 90%, 70%, and 50%.
• A tocopherol blend in which combined gamma- and delta-tocopherol was five times the alpha-tocopherol amount gave significantly improved antioxidant performance, outperforming a 1:1 blend.
• Offered as a 30% powder.

Regulatory status

• In the Codex GSFA, dl-alpha-tocopherol is additive 307c and mixed tocopherol concentrate is 307b.
• The working group 'Questions of Nutrition' of the Food Chemistry Society proposed that the required overage for nutrients should not exceed 50% of the declared value.
• The Italian Ministry of Health has set the permitted daily intake of vitamin E in food supplements at 60 mg.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Losses can be further minimized by proper storage in the dark.

Frequently asked questions about Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols

What total tocopherol concentrations are available?

Total tocopherols content is 50%, 70%, 90%, or 95%.

What is the typical D-gamma tocopherol content?

D-gamma tocopherol content is between 50.0% and 70.0%.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.