alpha-tocopherol
alpha-tocopherol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
alpha-tocopherol Capsule is a alpha-tocopherol preparation. alpha-tocopherol acts as an antioxidant in the body. alpha-tocopherol protects polyunsaturated fatty acids (which are components of cellular membrane) and other oxygen-sensitive substances such as vitamin A & vitamin C from oxidation. alpha-tocopherol reacts with free radicals, which is the cause of oxidative damage to cell membranes, without the formation of another free radical in the process. The main pharmacological action of vitamin E in humans is its antioxidant effect.
In premature neonates irritability, edema, thrombosis and hemolytic anemia may be caused due to vitamin E deficiency. Creatinuria, ceroid deposition, muscle weakness, decreased erythrocyte survival or increased in vitro hemolysis by oxidizing agents have been identified in adults and children with low serum tocopherol concentrations.
alpha-tocopherol is a collective term used to describe 8 separate fat soluble antioxidants, most commonly alpha-tocopherol. alpha-tocopherol acts to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. alpha-tocopherol deficiency is seen in persons with abetalipoproteinemia, premature, very low birth weight infants (birth weights less than 1500 grams, or 3½ pounds), cystic fibrosis, and cholestasis and severe liver disease. Preliminary research suggests vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. It also protects other fat-soluble vitamins (A and B group vitamins) from destruction by oxygen. Low levels of vitamin E have been linked to increased incidence of breast and colon cancer.
Trade Name | alpha-tocopherol |
Generic | Vitamin E |
Vitamin E Other Names | alpha-tocopherol |
Type | |
Formula | C29H50O2 |
Weight | Average: 430.7061 Monoisotopic: 430.381080844 |
Protein binding | Vitamin E is bound to lipoproteins in blood. |
Groups | Approved, Nutraceutical, Vet approved |
Therapeutic Class | Vitamin-E Preparations |
Manufacturer | |
Available Country | |
Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
As a dietary supplement:
- alpha-tocopherol deficiency resulting from impaired absorption.
- Increased requirements due to diet rich in polyunsaturated fats.
- For healthy hair & skin
- As an Antioxidant
- Hemolytic anemia due to alpha-tocopherol deficiency
Therapeutic use
: Heavy metal poisoning, Hepatotoxin poisoning, Hemolytic anemia, Oxygen therapy and replacement therapy in nutritional deficiency states for the betterment of skin and hair.
alpha-tocopherol is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Vitamin Deficiency, Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, Dietary supplementation
How alpha-tocopherol works
The mechanism of action for most of vitamin E's effects are still unknown. alpha-tocopherol is an antioxidant, preventing free radical reactions with cell membranes. Though in some cases vitamin E has been shown to have pro-oxidant activity.
One mechanism of vitamin E's antioxidant effect is in the termination of lipid peroxidation. alpha-tocopherol reacts with unstable lipid radicals, producing stable lipids and a relatively stable vitamin E radical. The vitamin E radical is then reduced back to stable vitamin E by reaction with ascorbate or glutathione.
Dosage
alpha-tocopherol dosage
Betterment of Cardiovascular health: 400 mg - 800 mg / day
Deficiency syndrome in adults: 200 mg - 400 mg / day
Deficiency syndrome in children: 200 mg / day
Thalassemia: 800 mg / day
Sickle-cell anemia: 400 mg / day
Betterment of Skin & Hair: 200 mg - 400 mg / day (Topical use is also established for beautification)
Chronic cold in adults: 200 mg / day
Side Effects
Overdoses (>1g) have been associated with minor side effects, including hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea and myopathy
Toxicity
There is no data available for effects in pregnancy, breast feeding, hepatic impairment, or renal impairment. However, it appears that the process of vitamin E elimination is strict and self regulating enough that vitamin E toxicity is exceedingly rare. Studies showing adverse effects from excess vitamin E generally involve people consuming more than 1000mg/day for weeks to months.
Precaution
alpha-tocopherol may enhance the anticoagulant activity of anticoagulant drugs. Caution is advised in premature infants with high dose alpha-tocopherol supplementation, because of reported risk of necrotizing enterocilitis.
Interaction
alpha-tocopherol may impair the absorption of Vitamin A. Vitamin K functions impairement happens at the level of prothrombin formation and potentiates the effect of Warfarin.
Food Interaction
- Take with or without food. High-fat foods may increase absorption of alpha-tocopherol.
Volume of Distribution
0.41L/kg in premature neonates given a 20mg/kg intramuscular injection.
Elimination Route
10-33% of deuterium labelled vitamin E is absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption of alpha-tocopherol is dependant upon absorption of the fat in which it is dissolved. For patients with poor fat absorption, a water soluble form of vitamin E may need to be substituted such as tocopheryl polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate.
In other studies the oral bioavailability of alpha-tocopherol was 36%, gamma-tocotrienol was 9%. The time to maximum concentration was 9.7 hours for alpha-tocopherol and 2.4 hours for gamma-tocotrienol.
Half Life
44 hours in premature neonates given a 20mg/kg intramuscular injection. 12 minutes in intravenous injection of intestinal lymph.
Clearance
6.5mL/hr/kg in premature neonates given a 20mg/kg intramuscular injection.
Elimination Route
Alpha tocopherol is excreted in urine as well as bile in the feces mainly as a carboxyethyl-hydrochroman (CEHC) metabolite, but it can be excreted in it's natural form .
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Use in pregnancy: alpha-tocopherol may be used in pregnancy in the normally recommended dose but the safety of high dose therapy has not been established.
Use in lactation: There appears to be no contraindication to breast feeding by mothers taking the normally recommended dose.
Contraindication
No known contraindications found.
Special Warning
Use in Children: alpha-tocopherol is safe for children
Acute Overdose
Large doses of vitamin E (more than 1 gm/day) have been reported to increase bleeding tendency in vitamin K deficient patients such as those taking oral anticoagulants.
Storage Condition
Store at a cool and dry place, Protect from light and moisture.
Innovators Monograph
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FAQ
What does alpha-tocopherol do for the body?
alpha-tocopherol acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy.
Can I take alpha-tocopherol everyday?
alpha-tocopherol is likely safe for most people when taken in doses lower than 1000 mg daily.
Does alpha-tocopherol help hair growth?
alpha-tocopherol may help support a healthy scalp and hair as it has natural antioxidant effects that could assist with maintaining hair growth.
What does alpha-tocopherol do for a woman?
alpha-tocopherol is key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes.alpha-tocopherol supplements have become popular as antioxidants. These are substances that protect cells from damage. However, the risks and benefits of taking alpha-tocopherol supplements are still unclear.
Does alpha-tocopherol stop hair loss?
alpha-tocopherol with its antioxidant properties, fights this oxidative stress, which is one of the major causes of severe hair fall. In a way, alpha-tocopherol blocks the erosion of your scalp tissues due to free radicals, thus, preventing hair fall as well as premature greying.
What are the side effects of alpha-tocopherol?
alpha-tocopherol side effects
- headache, dizziness, vision changes;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- unusual weakness or tired feeling;
- diarrhea, stomach cramps; or.
- easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).
Is alpha-tocopherol good for wrinkles?
alpha-tocopherol is a very potent antioxidant that can be used to fight wrinkles around the mouth.
Does alpha-tocopherol lighten the skin?
Some people use alpha-tocopherol with lemon juice or other ingredients to bleach the skin. There is no evidence that this works, and these products can cause side effects that include: damage to the skin.
How much alpha-tocopherol is safe in pregnancy?
alpha-tocopherol not recommended for pregnant women to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.If need the recommended dose of alpha-tocopherol in human pregnancy is 22-30 mg/day.
Is alpha-tocopherol safe during breastfeeding?
Brand taken by the mother can concentrate in human milk, and thus excessive amounts may be harmful to a breastfeeding baby.
Can alpha-tocopherol cause birth defects?
Recent studies have shown that taking in too much alpha-tocopherol during pregnancy can cause birth defects in children. Specifically, too much alpha-tocopherol has been shown to cause heart defects in children after birth.
What happens if I take alpha-tocopherol everyday?
If you take alpha-tocopherol everyday may side effects increases with higher doses. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and bleeding.
What is the best time to take alpha-tocopherol?
Best time to take alpha-tocopherol with your evening meal. Fat-soluble vitamins are dissolved in our bodies using fats. They are then carried into our bloodstream and perform essential functions.
When should I take alpha-tocopherol morning or night?
The best time to consume alpha-tocopherol supplements is with a meal at night. Eating a meal will allow for the best absorption rate of the vitamin into your body.
What is the benefits of taking alpha-tocopherol?
alpha-tocopherol supplements may prevent coronary heart disease, support immune function, prevent inflammation, promote eye health, and lower the risk of cancer.the research on these benefits is varied, and alpha-tocopherol supplementation is not right for everyone.
Can I take alcohol with alpha-tocopherol ?
alpha-tocopherol can mitigate the toxic effects of alcohol and can be suitably used as a potential therapeutic agent for alcohol-induced oxidative damage in liver.
Which food is rich in alpha-tocopherol?
alpha-tocopherol is found in the following foods:
- Vegetable oils (such as wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean oils)
- Nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts/filberts)
- Seeds (such as sunflower seeds)
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli)
Does alpha-tocopherol make skin fair?
alpha-tocopherol in combination with and lemon juice, it helps whiten the skin. Lemon juice is a skin lightening agent, which is why it works best when combined with and used along with alpha-tocopherol.
Should I wash my face after applying alpha-tocopherol?
Wash your face and gently pat dry. If you have dry skin, you can leave the oil on overnight. If you're prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, wash it off after 15 minutes.
Can I use alpha-tocopherol capsule with aloe vera gel?
You can use aloe vera and vitamin e capsules for skin whitening. When mixed with fresh aloe vera gel, alpha-tocopherol can brighten your dull and tired skin. You have to take some fresh aloe vera pulp and drops of oil from a alpha-tocopherol capsule. Blend these and apply it to your face as a mask.
How do I apply alpha-tocopherol oil to my hair?
Apply alpha-tocopherol oil to your hair:
- Massage it onto your scalp.
- Gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb.
- Let the oil sit for at least 15 minutes.
- When you're done, wash the oil out of your hair with your regular shampoo.
- If your hair already feels well moisturized, you can skip conditioner.
How often should I use alpha-tocopherol oil on your hair?
alpha-tocopherol usued at least three times a week for five to 10 minutes, and wash it off in an hour.