About this ingredient
Ingredients
Natural Tocopherol Blend is a mixture of naturally derived vitamin E compounds, typically containing combinations of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols. Depending on the product, the blend may be sourced from vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, or other plant-based oils.
Natural tocopherol blends provide different forms of vitamin E with antioxidant activity. Natural alpha-tocopherol (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is the form recognized as meeting human vitamin E requirements, while other tocopherols such as gamma- and delta-tocopherol are also naturally occurring members of the vitamin E family.
The exact tocopherol ratios, vitamin E potency, source, concentration, carrier oil, and additional ingredients vary by manufacturer.
Natural Tocopherol Blend is a vitamin E formulation containing multiple naturally occurring tocopherols rather than relying exclusively on alpha-tocopherol. Natural vitamin E occurs in eight related compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The four tocopherols are alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol.
Natural tocopherol blends used in dietary supplements commonly provide d-alpha-tocopherol together with other tocopherols, particularly gamma- and delta-tocopherol. Commercial supplement labels demonstrate that mixed-tocopherol products can contain these four tocopherol forms in different proportions.
Vitamin E compounds have antioxidant activity and help protect cells from oxidative damage. Alpha-tocopherol is preferentially retained and transported by the body, while other tocopherol forms are metabolized differently.
Natural Tocopherol Blend may be used in vitamin E supplements, antioxidant formulas, cardiovascular nutrition products, skin and beauty formulations, and general nutritional products. Research has investigated the biological properties of different tocopherols, but evidence for benefits beyond established vitamin E nutrition varies by form and intended use.
Because vitamin E supplements can contain substantially higher amounts than normal dietary requirements, consumers should check the total vitamin E amount, tocopherol forms, serving size, source, and additional ingredients before purchasing. High-dose vitamin E can also be relevant for people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines.