Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin E is a family of compounds that includes alpha tocopherol, beta tocopherol, gamma tocopherol, delta tocopherol, and four tocotrienes. Synthetic vitamin E is slightly less potent than natural vitamin E but is less expensive. Vitamin E is one of the most potent fat-soluble antioxidants in the body. As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects the fatty areas of the body from damaging compounds called free radicals.
Vitamin E helps protect red blood cells from damage.
Vitamin E may also help maintain heart health. Studies indicate Vitamin E may contribute to a healthy circulatory system. Vitamin E requirements depend on body size, with larger individuals needing more of this vitamin. Vitamin E protects fats from turning rancid, so greater amounts of this vitamin are needed for people who eat high-fat diets, especially when the fat is from vegetable oils and other polyunsaturated fats. This amount must be obtained from supplements, since it is impossible to consume the amount from food alone.