Definition

Noun: A potent form of vitamin E, specifically one of the eight chemical compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols) that constitute the vitamin E group. It is the most biologically active form for humans and is obtained from sources like germ oils or produced synthetically. It functions primarily as a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Usage

Alpha-tocopherol is used as a scientific and nutritional term to refer to this specific chemical compound. It is commonly found in contexts discussing biochemistry, nutrition, dietary supplements, and food science. - It is the form most commonly used in vitamin E supplements and for fortifying foods. - In nutritional labeling and scientific literature, "vitamin E" activity is often measured and expressed in terms of alpha-tocopherol equivalents.

Examples

• Scientific Context: "The study measured the serum levels of in the participants."
• Nutritional Context: "This vegetable oil is a rich natural source of ."
• Supplement Context: "The capsule contains 400 IU of , the natural form."

Advanced Usage

• Stereoisomers: The term distinguishes between natural and synthetic forms. Natural is labeled as d-alpha-tocopherol (or RRR-alpha-tocopherol), while the synthetic form is dl-alpha-tocopherol (or all-rac-alpha-tocopherol). The natural form has higher biological activity.
• Measurement: Vitamin E activity is standardized. One milligram of equals 1.49 International Units (IU) of the natural form or 2.22 IU of the synthetic form.

Variants and Related Words

• Tocopherol (n): The broader class of organic compounds of which alpha-tocopherol is a member; often used synonymously with vitamin E in general contexts.
• Vitamin E (n): The collective name for a group of eight fat-soluble compounds, including , that have antioxidant properties.
• Antioxidant (n): A substance that inhibits oxidation, a primary function of in the body.

Synonyms

• d-alpha-tocopherol (specifically the natural form)
• RRR-alpha-tocopherol (the scientific name for the natural stereoisomer)
• (The) most active form of vitamin E (a descriptive synonym)

Related Phrases / Compounds

• Alpha-tocopherol acetate: A stable, esterified form of often used in supplements and cosmetic products.
• Alpha-tocopherol succinate: Another esterified, stable form used in supplements and pharmaceutical applications.
• Tocopherol-equivalent (TE): A unit of measurement for vitamin E activity based on the potency of .

Noun

1. a potent form of vitamin E obtained from germ oils or by synthesis