Dietary Antioxidants and Vitamin E Absorption Pittsburgh PA

Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is an extremely important fat-soluble antioxidant which exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own functional use in the body. The most active form is alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E insures the stability and integrity of cellular tissues and membranes throughout the body by preventing free radical damage. In addition to its antioxidant activity, vitamin E may support overall cardiovascular and circulatory health. It may also support the immune system, vision, DNA repair and other metabolic processes. During heavy exercise, vitamin E may also reduce the amount of exercise-induced free radical damage to the blood and tissues while helping the body reduce the incidence of exercise-induced muscle injury.

Researchers submitted an article to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reporting their results of a study investigating antioxidants and their effect on alpha-tocopherol absorption. A human intestinal cell line was used to evaluate the effect of combinations of various antioxidants on alpha-tocopherol absorption. Then they proceeded to compare the effect of two doses of lutein, a carotenoid, on postprandial alph-tocopherol along with a meal rich in alpha-tocopherol. Eight healthy men consumed two meals consisting of 24 mg alpha-tocopherol in sunflower oil in addition to either 18 or 36 mg of lutein in a random order at a one month interval. The results were naringenin was the only polyphenol that reduced alpha-tocopherol absorption, gamma-tocopherol had a slight effect and vitamin C had no effect. The highest dose of lutein had a significant effect on postprandial alpha-tocopherol absorption. The authors concluded that "naringenin, carotenoids and probably gamma-tocopherol can impair alpha-tocopherol absorption."¹

¹ Reboul E, Thap S, Perrot E, et al. Effect of the main dietary antioxidants (carotenoids, gamma-tocopherol, polyphenols, and vitamin C) on alpha-tocopherol absorption. Eur J Clin Nutr. Oct2007;61(10):1167-1173.