Description
An essential fat-soluble vitamin and the most important biological lipid antioxidant. Available in multiple commercial forms differing in stereochemistry (natural d versus synthetic dl) and chemical form (free tocopherol versus the more stable acetate ester).
Pale yellow to amber oily liquid (free tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate) or free-flowing white powder (dry spray-dried beadlets and microencapsulated forms for dry blends).
We supply food-grade, feed-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade Vitamin E from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include DL-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate Oil (the synthetic acetate, the dominant feed-grade and food-fortification form), D-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate Oil (natural-source acetate, premium supplement grade), Mixed Tocopherols (natural antioxidant blend), Vitamin E 50% Powder (spray-dried beadlets for dry fortification), and Pharmaceutical Grade meeting BP/USP/EP/JP specifications.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, specific rotation (distinguishing natural d from synthetic dl), peroxide value, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 during fertility studies in rats and chemically characterized as alpha-tocopherol in 1936. The vitamin exists naturally as eight related compounds (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols), with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active and the dominant commercial form.
Industrial production splits between two routes: synthetic chemical synthesis from isophytol and trimethylhydroquinone, yielding DL-alpha-tocopherol (a mixture of eight stereoisomers); and natural extraction from soybean and sunflower oil distillates, yielding D-alpha-tocopherol with the natural stereochemistry.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA, the European Food Safety Authority, and equivalent regulators worldwide. Listed in BP, USP, EP, and JP pharmacopoeias. Recommended Dietary Allowance is 15 mg per day for adults.
The molecule functions as the principal lipid-phase antioxidant in cell membranes, donating hydrogen atoms to peroxyl radicals during oxidation to terminate the radical chain that drives lipid peroxidation. This protects cell membrane fatty acids from oxidative damage.
Strategic positioning splits between feed nutrition (the highest volume, using DL-acetate form), human supplements (the highest unit value, with growing preference for natural D-form), cosmetic skincare (substantial volumes with both forms), and food antioxidant applications.
Where it is used
- Animal feed: poultry, swine, aquaculture, and dairy fortification; the dominant volume application globally
- Dietary supplements: standalone Vitamin E and multivitamin formulations
- Pharmaceutical applications: tablets, capsules, soft gels, topical creams
- Cosmetic and personal-care: skincare, sunscreens, anti-aging serums, hair-care
- Food antioxidant in fats, oils, and oil-containing foods
- Infant formula fortification
- Fortified bakery products and breakfast cereals
- Sports nutrition and protein supplement applications
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber oily liquid (oil form) |
| Assay (DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) | 96.0% to 102.0% |
| Specific rotation | 0° (synthetic DL) / +24° (natural D) |
| Refractive index (20 °C) | 1.494 to 1.498 |
| Acid value | ≤ 2.0 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| Peroxide value | ≤ 10 meq/kg |
| Available forms | Oil, 50% powder, microencapsulated |
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