vitamin e

Vitamin E is a collective term for a group of eight fat-soluble compounds known as tocopherols and tocotrienols. The most biologically active form in humans is alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E functions primarily as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. It also plays roles in immune function, gene expression regulation, inhibition of protein kinase C activity (affecting cell proliferation and differentiation), and modulation of vascular function by increasing prostacyclin release and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Vitamin E is essential for neurological function and blood clotting support[1][4][8]. It is used to treat or prevent vitamin E deficiency—most commonly seen in individuals with malabsorption syndromes such as cystic fibrosis or certain liver diseases—and has been studied for potential benefits in conditions like Alzheimer's disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), beta-thalassemia, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), tardive dyskinesia, ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), among others[3][5][10]. While widely available over the counter as capsules or liquid drops alone or combined with other vitamins[1], high-dose supplementation may carry risks such as increased bleeding tendency.

Brand names

Aquasol E

Other names

alpha-tocopheroltocopherold-alpha-tocopheryl acetated-alpha-tocopheryl succinateall-rac-alpha-tocopherolRRR-alpha-tocopheroltocotrienol