Not All Vitamin E Is Created Equal!
There are several different commercial
forms of Vitamin E. These forms differ in molecular structure, bioactivity,
and biological function. Even though vitamin E is a complex of molecules,
most vitamin E supplements only contain alpha tocopherol—which
is only one portion of the vitamin E complex.
Here are the three major forms of vitamin E available. Which one do
you use?
1. Synthetic dl-alpha
tocopherol: The cheapest and most widely sold form, synthetic vitamin
E is the least bio-active form consisting of 8 man-made isomers, 4
of which are not recognized by the body. Contains d-alpha only.
2. Semi-Synthetic Esterified
d-alpha tocopheryl: Most vitamin E supplements that claim
to be "natural" are esterified. This form is produced
by chemically converting the natural E complex into a single acid
ester (d-alpha tocopheryl)—a process few would consider "natural."
Esterified vitamin E does not contain the natural E complex and
is ineffective as an antioxidant.
3. Natural Vitamin
E Complex: The more expensive form of vitamin E containing
the complex of natural vitamin E isomers. Unfortunately, in order
to compete with cheaper forms of vitamin E, the industry standard
is to leave 33 to 50% soy or other oil fillers in the product which
will turn rancid. Almost all supplements containing the natural vitamin
E complex contain only enough to make a label claim—thus, providing
inadequate amounts of the complex.
