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Vitamin E

Alpha-Tocopherol · Tocopherol · Vitamin E

Vitamine & Nährstoffe
Einheit:
umol/L
Abbreviation
a-Tocopherol

The test quantifies the level of alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, in the blood.

Reference Ranges

Reference
11.646.4umol/L
11.6
20
30
46.4
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · umol/L

Ranges may vary based on dietary intake and bioavailability.

Overview

Übersicht

Vitamin E, specifically alpha-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a critical role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage by scavenging lipid peroxides and free radicals. It is a member of the tocopherol family, essential for vertebrate health, and is primarily measured to assess antioxidant status in the body. Clinically, vitamin E is significant due to its potential role in preventing oxidative stress-related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers have observed that alpha-tocopherol may also contribute to chemoprevention, particularly in the aerodigestive tract, and its deficiency can lead to symptoms like muscular dystrophy and diminished reproductive capabilities. For athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal vitamin E levels is crucial for reducing oxidative stress and enhancing recovery, potentially improving performance and longevity. However, high doses of vitamin E supplementation have been linked to adverse effects, including renal issues, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring. Confounding factors such as dietary intake, bioavailability differences, and potential interactions with other antioxidants should be considered when interpreting vitamin E levels.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated vitamin E levels may indicate excessive supplementation, which can lead to adverse effects such as renal dysfunction. Reduced levels may suggest dietary deficiency, increased oxidative stress, or conditions like hemolytic anemia.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising values may suggest excessive supplementation or dietary intake. Re-test in 4 weeks if values are outside the optimal range.

Falling Values

Progressively falling values may indicate dietary deficiency or increased oxidative stress.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Excessive supplementation
  • High dietary intake
  • Liver disease
  • Hyperlipidemia
Cause

Low Levels

  • Poor dietary intake
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Increased oxidative stress
  • Chronic diseases
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Reduce oxidative stress through regular exercise
  • Avoid smoking
  • Limit alcohol consumption
Lever

Nutrition

  • Consume nuts and seeds
  • Include leafy greens
  • Eat vegetable oils
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitamin E supplements
  • Mixed tocopherol supplements

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially at high doses.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

Testing Frequency

Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if at risk of deficiency or excess.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent high-fat meal
  • Lipid-lowering medications

Related Peptides & Hormones

Cortisol

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the optimal plasma levels of gamma-tocopherol as a biomarker for cancer and cardiovascular risk remain debated, particularly regarding its bioavailability and transformation into alpha-tocopherol. Researchers have not yet established clear reference ranges for vitamin E levels that account for individual variability in metabolism and absorption. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the long-term effects of high-dose vitamin E supplementation on renal health and the specific mechanisms underlying its beneficial versus adverse effects.

26 Research Publications

23,947

Total Citations

8

Human/RCT

93.0

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as a measure of "antioxidant power": the FRAP assay.

HumanInfluence987.0
22689
This study examined the FRAP assay, a novel method for assessing the antioxidant power of plasma. Researchers found that the FRAP values of fresh plasma from healthy adults ranged from 612 to 1634 micromol/liter, with a mean of 1017. The assay is noted for its reproducibility and simplicity, making it accessible for laboratories studying oxidative stress.
View on PubMed
#02

Gamma-tocopherol--an underestimated vitamin?

ReviewInfluence6.0
292
This review focused on gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that may provide unique antioxidant activities. Researchers observed that gamma-tocopherol levels serve as a biomarker for cancer and cardiovascular risk, and its dietary intake varies significantly between the USA and Europe.
View on PubMed
#03

Vitamin E inadequacy in humans: causes and consequences.

ReviewInfluence14.0
237
Researchers found that over 90% of Americans do not consume adequate dietary vitamin E, leading to adverse health consequences. They noted that low plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol are associated with increased risks of infection and anemia, highlighting the need for better biomarkers of vitamin E status.
View on PubMed
#04

Hepatoprotective effect of curcumin and alpha-tocopherol against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress.

AnimalInfluence2.0
135
Researchers investigated the protective role of curcumin and alpha-tocopherol against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in rats. They found that pre-treatment with these compounds improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress markers. The study suggests that the combination may help mitigate hepatotoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment.
View on PubMed
#05

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Clinical Indications and Current Challenges for Chromatographic Measurement.

ReviewInfluence2.0
106
Researchers outlined the challenges in measuring fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E, in blood. They noted that deficiencies in these vitamins are linked to increased disease risks. The study emphasizes the need for improved measurement techniques to accurately assess vitamin E status.
View on PubMed
#06

Lipid oxidation that is, and is not, inhibited by vitamin E: Consideration about physiological functions of vitamin E.

HumanInfluence2.0
96
This study investigated the role of vitamin E in inhibiting lipid oxidation. Researchers found that vitamin E effectively scavenges lipid peroxyl radicals but is less efficient against certain other radicals. The study emphasizes the importance of vitamin E in preventing oxidative damage.
View on PubMed
#07

Vitamin E, immune response, and disease resistance.

ReviewInfluence5.0
88
Researchers observed that vitamin E supplementation enhances immune response and disease resistance in various populations. They noted that vitamin E protects immune cells from oxidative damage and improves phagocytosis. The study emphasizes the greater effectiveness of vitamin E as an adjuvant in vaccines compared to dietary supplementation.
View on PubMed
#08

Vitamin E and Alzheimer's disease: what do we know so far?

Review
86
Researchers examined the relationship between vitamin E and Alzheimer's disease, noting that diminished levels of vitamin E are associated with increased AD risk. They found that dietary intake may help slow disease progression, although evidence from randomized trials remains inconclusive.
View on PubMed
#09

The role of vitamin E in immune response and disease resistance.

ReviewInfluence2.0
84
Researchers found that vitamin E supplementation enhances immune response and disease resistance, particularly when combined with other antioxidants. They noted that the effectiveness of vitamin E depends on its delivery system, with targeted delivery to immune cells being more effective than general dietary intake. The study emphasizes the importance of optimal dosing.
View on PubMed
#10

Vitamin E and cancer prevention: Studies with different forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols.

ReviewInfluence1.0
57
This review focused on the cancer-preventive activities of different forms of vitamin E. Researchers found that while alpha-tocopherol is the most studied, other forms like gamma- and delta-tocopherols show stronger cancer-preventive effects in laboratory studies.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (3)

3

Total Trials

131

Total Enrolled

The Effect of Alpha-tocopherol in Hemolysis and Oxidative Stress Marker on the Red Cell Membrane Beta-thalassemia Major

NCT03948737COMPLETED
Sponsor

Indonesia University

Enrollment

40

Started

2016

Primary outcome

The effects of α-tocopherol in hemolysis marker on the red cell membrane of β-thalassemia major

Beta Thalassemia Major AnemiaHemolysisOxidative Stress

Vitamin E Supplementation in Burned Patients

NCT01749371Phase 2/3COMPLETED
Sponsor

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Enrollment

27

Started

2013

Primary outcome

Number of Participants Assessed for Plasma Alpha- and Gamma-Tocopherol Levels

Burn

Silybin - Vitamin E- Phospholipids Complex Reduces Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Treated With Peg-IFN-a and RBV

NCT01935817Phase 3COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Catania

Enrollment

64

Started

2010

Primary outcome

transforming growth factor beta

Liver Fibrosis

Publication Trend

Research publications about Vitamin E over time

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1
'83
1
'94
1
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1
'04
1
'09
1
'14
1
'19
1
'20
1
'21
1
'23

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