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What is Vitamin E Acetate?

Vanessa Harvey
Vanessa Harvey

Vitamin E acetate, also called tocopherol acetate, is a dry form of vitamin E that is commonly referred to as tocopherols. The acetate form is an ester, which has a much greater stability than unesterified tocopherols. One of the principle differences between the dry and oil forms of this vitamin is that the former has no immediate antioxidant properties. An antioxidant is a substance present in many all natural foods that are rich in nutrients. They help to retard the aging of cells and play a vital role in protection against free radicals.

Free radicals are formed as a result of the natural process of metabolism. They can damage cells in the body, resulting in the development of life-threatening diseases such as coronary heart disease and various cancers. The risk of developing other conditions also can often be lowered with an adequate intake of antioxidants, including the formation of cataracts and weakened immunity. Because vitamin E acetate is a fat-soluble nutrient, its proper absorption requires the presence of some dietary fat. The acetate is removed during its absorption in the intestines, allowing for its antioxidant properties to become active.

Wheat germ is considered to have the highest source of vitamin E acetate.
Wheat germ is considered to have the highest source of vitamin E acetate.

Vitamin E is essential to maintaining health, as well. In addition to acting as an antioxidant, the acetate form also helps to protect against the destruction of red blood cells. It aids in the prevention of recurrent and spontaneous abortions by directly affecting the reproductive process. Women who want to conceive are commonly advised to consume adequate amounts of this nutrient, as it has been helpful in cases of sterility. People living in areas where air pollution is particularly heavy may also want to be sure to consume adequate amounts of vitamin E due to its protective qualities.

Vitamin E acetate helps protect against the destruction of red blood cells.
Vitamin E acetate helps protect against the destruction of red blood cells.

A deficiency of vitamin E acetate is usually rare due to its presence in a wide variety of foods. Wheat germ and wheat germ oil are generally considered the richest of all sources, although soybeans, whole grain cereals, legumes, seeds, nuts, and green leafy vegetables tend to be good sources as well. Studies conducted by some of the world's most respected medical schools and research hospitals reveal that vitamin E, like all vitamins, is best consumed through food. People interested in increasing their consumption should know that as much as 90% of the vitamin is lost in cereals that have been refined.

Discussion Comments

naturesgurl3

@firstviolin -- I'm not super-educated on the subject, but I really think that this article got it right.

Vitamin E does fight free radicals, which can be a big factor in the aging of your skin. I work in a natural health store, and though I've never tried the vitamin E powders and creams and what not personally, I know several people who work with me who swear by them.

So, from my limited knowledge, I would say that this article definitely got it right. Of course, vitamin E is not some kind of wonder-cure; no vitamin is.

And I do understand what you're saying about all the hype making it sound too good to be true.

But I really do think that some people can benefit from a little extra vitamin E in their diet, and to be perfectly honest, it couldn't hurt (as long as you don't overdo it.) Why not try it for yourself and let us know how it goes?

FirstViolin

Is Vitamin E really that great for skin? I keep hearing about all these amazing benefits of Vitamin E for skin, but I'm kind of wondering if it's just the next wave or trend in the beauty world.

I mean, wasn't it just last year that everyone was talking about vitamin A serums, and before that, vitamin C oil?

Has anybody reading this actually experienced a huge change after upping your vitamin E intake, or is it just more marketing?

rallenwriter

Great article -- you always hear about the importance of eating certain foods for vitamins, but this article really put it in a perspective that I could understand.

Forget all this talk about alfa tocopherol and what-not, I want to know what a food will do for me in plain terms.

And that's what this article did -- now I know why it's important to get my veggies -- so that I get all the vitamins I need to help my body fight aging and improve my skin. This was seriously the most informative article on the importance of vitamin E that I've ever read.

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    • Wheat germ is considered to have the highest source of vitamin E acetate.
      By: Elzbieta Sekowska
      Wheat germ is considered to have the highest source of vitamin E acetate.
    • Vitamin E acetate helps protect against the destruction of red blood cells.
      By: Monika 3 Steps Ahead
      Vitamin E acetate helps protect against the destruction of red blood cells.
    • Vitamin E is found naturally in many foods, such as sunflower oil.
      By: Serhiy Shullye
      Vitamin E is found naturally in many foods, such as sunflower oil.
    • Bloodwork may be used to diagnose a vitamin E deficiency in an individual.
      By: Boggy
      Bloodwork may be used to diagnose a vitamin E deficiency in an individual.