Vitamin E D-Alpha-Tocopherol

Alpha-tocopherol (CAS 59-02-9), also supplied under E307, is the most biologically active form of vitamin E.

Where is Vitamin E D-Alpha-Tocopherol used?

• Food and nutraceutical manufacturing: stabilizer of oils and fats
• Natural food additive and antioxidant that extends shelf life; commonly added to oils, margarine, cereals and salad dressings.
• Pharmaceutical formulations: active ingredient and functional excipient in soft gel capsules, emulsions, and parenteral preparations, protecting lipid-based drug delivery systems
• Personal care: stabilizer of emollients and carrier oils in creams, serums, and suncare products, supporting UV-induced oxidation control
• Plastics and polymer processing: non-phenolic antioxidant stabilizer for polyolefins and elastomers during high-temperature compounding
• It prevents oxidative degradation in lipid-containing systems, extending shelf life and protecting sensitive ingredients from rancidity and free radical damage.

Good to know: Natural grades command a premium in food and pharma procurement. Food-grade purity is typically specified at 96% or higher.

Formulation notes

• The acetate derivative resists heat and air better than the free-alcohol form.
• High supplemental doses may interfere with vitamin K absorption and raise bleeding risk, particularly with anticoagulant drugs.
• Vitamin activity is 100, versus 40 for beta-tocopherol, 20 for gamma-tocopherol and 1 for delta-tocopherol.
• Ascorbic acid can regenerate the oxidized α-tocopheroxyl radical back to α-tocopherol.

Typical specification

• Oil form available in 750 IU, 900 IU, 1000 IU and 1300 IU grades.
• Powder form available in 350 IU, 500 IU and 700 IU grades.
• Optical rotation at 25°C is at least +24°.

Regulatory status

• In Italy, the permitted daily intake in food supplements is 60 mg.

Frequently asked questions about Vitamin E D-Alpha-Tocopherol

What are the physical characteristics?

It is a clear oily liquid, yellow to brownish red, nearly odorless, and may crystallize at low temperatures.

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