Tocopheryl Acetate: A Synthetic Form of Vitamin E
Medically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmDMedically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmD
Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA), often simply known as tocopheryl acetate, is marketed to prevent or reduce several health conditions, such as macular degeneration and heart disease, due to its antioxidant properties. It is a synthetic form of vitamin E found in dietary supplements and skin care products.
Tocopheryl acetate is considered the most stable and active form of vitamin E and the best option overall for treating vitamin E deficiency. Yet, research on tocopheryl acetate and vitamin E supplementation, in general, has not proven many of its proposed health claims and should be discussed with a healthcare provider before starting a regimen.
Takeaway
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Uses of Tocopheryl Acetate
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Tocopheryl acetate has many proposed uses, primarily because of its antioxidant properties, which are thought to protect cells from free radicals.
Marketed but unproven uses of tocopheryl acetate include:
Reducing inflammation
Preventing heart disease
Preventing cancer
Promoting wound healing
Slowing cognitive decline
Slowing the progression of macular degeneration (eye disease affecting central vision)
However, there is not enough evidence to support most of these claims. Many studies have found tocopheryl acetate to be ineffective for these uses. There is some evidence that vitamin E may even cause harm.
Tocopheryl Acetate Deficiency
Tocopheryl acetate is a form of vitamin E supplement. Although rare, vitamin E deficiency occurs in people with fat malabsorption disorders (inability of the small intestine to absorb fats).
Those at risk of developing a vitamin E deficiency include people with Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis. Occasionally, people undergoing bariatric surgery may have a malabsorptive procedure done that ultimately puts them at greater risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Signs of vitamin E deficiency include:
Loss of sensation in the limbs (arms and legs)
Muscle weakness
Loss of body control
Problems with vision
Nerve damage
Muscle damage
Weakened immune system
Deficiency can be confirmed with a blood test. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are at risk for a vitamin deficiency and suspect you may be deficient.
Related: Vitamin E for Scars: Worth Trying or Skipping?
Treating Vitamin E Deficiency
Tocopheryl acetate may be used to treat vitamin E deficiency. However, in cases of fat malabsorption, a water-soluble form of vitamin E may be needed instead.
People with a rare inherited disorder called abetalipoproteinemia have poor absorption of vitamin E. They require large doses of vitamin E. Sometimes, as much as 100 milligrams/kilogram of body weight is needed. This should be managed under medical supervision.
What Are the Side Effects of Tocopheryl Acetate?
Tocopheryl acetate is relatively safe when taken in recommended amounts. If you take the maximum daily intake or less, tocopheryl acetate is unlikely to cause side effects. Higher doses in the long term increase the chances of adverse health effects.
Taking too much supplemental tocopheryl acetate could result in:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Tiredness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Headache
Skin care products with tocopheryl acetate may cause a local skin reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction of the skin include reddening or a rash in the area where the cream or ointment was applied.
Precautions
If any of the following apply to you, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether tocopheryl acetate is safe to take:
Allergies: Tocopheryl acetate may contain ingredients that could cause allergic reactions (e.g., soybeans).
Pregnancy: Tocopheryl acetate should only be used if needed to treat deficiency during pregnancy. One review showed that taking vitamin E supplements combined with other supplements did not affect the health outcomes of the mother or infant.
Bleeding disorders, blood clotting problems, or blood thinner use: Talk to your healthcare provider before taking tocopheryl acetate.
Heart failure: Vitamin E in doses over 400 IU daily may increase the risk of heart failure. Do not take vitamin E if you have heart failure.
Cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation): Taking antioxidants during cancer treatment is generally not recommended. Supplemental antioxidants during chemotherapy or radiation therapy could negatively impact the benefits of these cancer treatment modalities.
Liver or kidney disease
Recent surgery
Dosage: How Much Tocopheryl Acetate Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
The amount of vitamin E required daily depends on a person’s age and other factors. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is:
Birth to 6 months: 4 milligrams
Infants 7 to 12 months: 5 milligrams
Children 1 to 3 years: 6 milligrams
Children 4 to 8 years: 7 milligrams
Children 9 to 13 years: 11 milligrams
Teens 14 to 18 years: 15 milligrams
Adults: 15 milligrams
Pregnant people: 15 milligrams
Breastfeeding people: 19 milligrams
It should be noted that the vitamin E RDA recommendations are for alpha-tocopherol alone, as it is the only form of vitamin E maintained and measurable in the blood. Additionally, the RDA for vitamin E is provided in milligrams (mg). However, vitamin E may still be listed as international units (IU) instead of milligrams.
Supplementing vitamin E above the RDA level will depend on your vitamin E status and clinical condition.
The Food and Nutrition Board has established Tolerable Upper Limits (TUL) for vitamin E intake as follows:
1 to 3 years: 200 milligrams
4 to 8 years: 300 milligrams
9 to 13 years: 600 milligrams
14 to 18 years: 800 milligrams
19 years and older: 1,000 milligrams
Long-term intakes exceeding the TUL will increase the risk of negative health effects.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Tocopheryl Acetate?
Taking too much tocopheryl acetate may increase your risk of side effects. Long-term high dosages can lead to toxicity.
Symptoms of vitamin E toxicity from long-term use of more than 400 IU (268 milligrams) to 800 IU (536 milligrams) per day may include:
Dizziness
Fatigue
Weakness
Rash
Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the vein due to a blood clot)
Some studies have found an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in people taking alpha-tocopherol supplements. Another study found an increased risk of prostate cancer with vitamin E supplementation compared to a placebo (intentionally ineffective pill).
Interactions
Medications that may interact with tocopheryl acetate include:
Jantoven (warfarin) or other blood thinners, such as aspirin or heparin: High doses of vitamin E (over 400 IU per day) should not be taken with these medications because it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Statins or niacin: High doses of vitamin E taken with other antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of statins and niacin.
Chemotherapy and radiation: Supplementation with 400 milligrams of vitamin E acetate (about 600 IU) was found to interfere with the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Tocopheryl Acetate
Store tocopheryl acetate away from light, heat, and moisture. Be sure to store medications and supplements out of reach of children and pets.
Similar Supplements
Alpha-tocopherol is another form of vitamin E supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foods are high in vitamin E?
Food sources high in vitamin E include plant oils, such as wheat germ, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, and to a lesser extent, corn and soybean oils. Other foods high in vitamin E include:
Broccoli and green leafy vegetables such as spinach (provides some vitamin E)
Nuts
Kiwifruit
Tomato
Mango
Could vitamin E supplementation be helpful for people with diabetes?
There is insufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin E would benefit people with diabetes. Vitamin E supplementation showed no clinical effect on glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.
A later meta-analysis found no beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on glucose control, hemoglobin A1C, or insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Is tocopheryl acetate beneficial for people with mental health disorders?
There is not enough evidence to suggest that more vitamin E in supplement form is helpful for treating mental disorders. Research on vitamin E for the treatment of anxiety and depression has been mixed, and researchers are unable to draw conclusions.
Source of Tocopheryl Acetate & What to Look For
Since tocopheryl acetate is a synthetic form of vitamin E, it isn't found in food. However, vitamin E is available in wheat germ, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, and spinach or broccoli.
Tocopheryl acetate is available as an oral supplement or a topical solution. It can be found in various commercial preparations, including:
Capsules
Lotions
Moisturizing skin creams and oils
Anti-aging products
Most of the commercial preparations of vitamin E are available in dosages, sold as international units (IU), but you may also see listings for milligrams (mg).
Vitamin E supplements are available as a single nutrient supplement or can be found in antioxidant formulations and multivitamins.
Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is absorbed as efficiently as alpha-tocopherol.
When purchasing supplements, always look for ones that have been third-party tested by the USP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com. These groups test supplements to be sure they contain what is reported on the supplement facts label and that they do not contain any harmful contaminants.
Summary
Tocopheryl acetate is a type of vitamin E supplement available. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient. Most people get the required amount of vitamin E from their diet. A vitamin E deficiency is possible but rare.
Vitamin E has been studied for preventative measures against certain diseases. Research shows that vitamin E mostly appears to have no benefit and, in some cases, may cause more harm. When weighing the benefit-to-risk ratio, there appears to be little benefit to moderate risk.
Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before taking them.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
