Vitamin E | Alpha-Tocopherol

 

Vitamin E belongs to the group of vitamins categorized as fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin E actually is comprised of a group of eight different forms, the most active in humans being the form known as alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is also the form of vitamin E that is found in the largest quantities in humans. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant properties and is thereby a strong protective cell buffer to free radical activities.

 

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and is therefore one of the body's frontline warriors against the detrimental activity of free radicals via oxidation. So in essence Vitamin E protects the cells within our bodies by preventing free radicals from setting off a chain reaction of lipid destruction. You see, the fat component of the cell membrane is especially vulnerable to damage from free radical oxidation (remember oxidation is destructive to our bodies and cells). That's where Vitamin E comes into play. Beyond maintaining the integrity of the cell membrane Vitamin E also protects the fats found in low density lipoproteins (LDLs). Lipoproteins are particles composed of both lipids and proteins and have the ability to transport fats through the bloodstream.