But the majority believe that such levels are safe and potentially beneficial. Vitamin E is a complex group of related compounds. Vitamin E, we are proud to point out, was discovered at UC Berkeley about 80 years ago. During the past decade it has been a star among nutrients, attracting increasing attention from both scientists and consumers. With most vitamins, the body can't tell the difference between natural and synthetic.
Vitamin E is the exception, since there are chemical differences.
But this isn't necessarily true. Recent studies have shown that natural E is not only better absorbed, but also better retained in the body than the synthetic form. Four of these are tocopherols, named alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The other four forms of E are called tocotrienols. Alpha tocopherol is by far the main type of E in the body.