Nutrients & Supplements
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Vitamin E is a family of eight fat-soluble compounds (four tocopherols, four tocotrienols) with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active form in humans. It functions as a chain-breaking antioxidant in cell membranes, protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids from lipid peroxidation. A small RCT showed tocotrienol supplementation increased hair count by 34.5% compared to placebo in individuals with hair loss. Natural d-alpha-tocopherol has approximately twice the bioavailability of synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol. High-dose vitamin E supplementation (>400 IU/day) may increase mortality risk.