Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

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Ingredient

Vitamin E

Primary lipid-soluble antioxidant protecting cellular membranes and intestinal lipophilic structures from oxidative damage.

What it is

Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate) is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant nutrient. In Velobiotics formulations, including Her-Biotics Ageless, PregBiotics, and BioGain Probiotic Meal, it is paired with microencapsulated probiotic cultures to shield cell membranes and dietary lipids from oxidative degradation. It provides essential protection for cell membranes, vascular endothelial walls, and intestinal mucosal cells against free radical oxidation.

Also known as: d-alpha Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol

What it does

  • Scavenges reactive oxygen species to protect cellular membranes and lipids from oxidative peroxidation.
  • Supports immune cell function and membrane fluidity in circulating lymphocytes and macrophages.
  • Maintains skin, vascular, and ocular tissue structural health against environmental oxidative stress.
  • Synergizes with vitamin C to maintain continuous systemic antioxidant recycling and cell defense.

Amplified by probiotics

Probiotic bacteria in the gut lumen reduce localized oxidative stress by producing antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, alongside short-chain fatty acids. This attenuated oxidative luminal environment protects vitamin E molecules from premature oxidation before absorption. Furthermore, probiotic-mediated bile acid deconjugation and micelle formation optimize lipid emulsification, facilitating enterocyte uptake of lipophilic d-alpha tocopherol across the intestinal brush border. Reduced intestinal mucosal inflammation further preserves enterocyte lipid transport mechanisms, enhancing systemic vitamin E bioavailability.

Typical dose

15–30 mg/day (22.5–45 IU/day)

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Human clinical studies confirm that vitamin E supplementation effectively preserves lipid membrane integrity, mitigates systemic oxidative stress markers, and supports immune response in aging populations. (Rizvi et al. 2014, Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J; Meydani et al. 2018, Adv Nutr; Traber et al. 2014, Free Radic Biol Med).

  1. Rizvi S, et al. The role of vitamin E in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014;14(2):e157-165 PubMed ↗
  2. Meydani SN, et al. Vitamin E and immunity: simple transfer or complex interaction? Adv Nutr. 2018;9(2):136-137 PubMed ↗
  3. Traber MG, Head B. Vitamin E: necessary nutrient-yet clinical case for deficiency remains elusive. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014;77:380-390 PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Well tolerated at nutritional doses; upper intake limit is 1000 mg/day (1500 IU). Caution is advised when combined with high-dose anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to potential anti-platelet effects.