My Multiple Sclerosis

Vitamin E* is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Alpha-tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is also a powerful biological antioxidant . Vitamin E in supplements is usually sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form of alpha-tocopherol that protects its ability to function as an antioxidant. The synthetic form is labeled with the prefix "dl-" while the natural form is labeled with the prefix "-d". The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a role in immune function, in DNA repair, and other metabolic processes.

Prefer the natural form of Vitamin E (read the label of the product you buy to have the "-d" prefix) and try to find a product of mixed tocopherols and at least 400IUs of strength. Alpha and gamma is needed besides the rest of the tocopherols. Choose dry and avoid the oil tablets.

Discovered in 1922, vitamin E is not a single compound, but rather an entire family of compounds with eight structurally related forms, or isomers. The eight isomers are made up of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherol) and four tocotrienols, also known by their alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms. The distinct structures of these tocopherols and tocotrienols confer unique chemical characteristics to each of the eight forms of vitamin E. While all forms of vitamin E are potent membrane-soluble antioxidants, only two—alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol—are predominant in nature.

Humans and other animal species cannot synthesize their own vitamin E and therefore must acquire this nutrient from plants, which are the only organisms capable of manufacturing it.