Vitamin E

APPLICATIONS Tocopherol is a a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin E refers to a family of at least eight molecules having a biological antioxidant activity and a structure of chromanol ring substituted by an aliphatic side chain (C-12) containing two methyl groups in the middle and two more at the terminal position. Chromanol ring have a hydroxyl group which will reduce free radicals by the donation of a hydrogen atom. The side chain is hydrophobic so that the molecules can penetrate into biological membranes. Vitamin E exists in eight different forms or isomers, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Tocopherol and tocotrienol are distinguished by the saturatation of side chain; the side chain of four tocopherols are saturated, whereas the four tocotrienols' side chains contain three double-bonds, which are adjoined with a methyl group. The four tocopherols and the four tocotrienols have an alpha, beta, gamma and delta form determined by the number of methyl groups on the chromanol ring. The alpha form has three methyl groups, the beta and gamma forms have two methyl groups and the delta form has only one. Each form has its own biological activity. Alpha-tocopherol is recognized as the most effective biological antioxidant. Tocotrienols have more antioxidant potency than tocopherols, but human can digest tocotrienols poorly and eliminates rapidly from the body. Tocotrienols are absorbed by the skin and thus are used as an ingredient in a cream. Vitamin E is used in as an moisturizing agent, an antioxidant and to improve the elasticity of the skin in cosmetics and skin care products, hair care and sun screening products.