Vitamin E
Introduction
Vitamin E is a collective term for a group of fat-soluble compounds, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, that exhibit vitamin E activity. Among these compounds, α-tocopherol has the highest biological activity.
In commercial animal nutrition, Vitamin E is commonly supplied as DL-α-tocopherol or DL-α-tocopheryl acetate. DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable esterified form of Vitamin E and is widely used in animal feed formulations because of its good stability during storage and feed processing.
CAS No.
- α-Tocopherol: 59-02-9
- DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate: 7695-91-2
Molecular Formula:
- α-Tocopherol: C₂₉H₅₀O₂
- DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate: C₃₁H₅₂O₃
Structural Formula
α-Tocopherol: C₂₉H₅₀O₂
DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate: C₃₁H₅₂O₃
Physicochemical Properties
α-Tocopherol is typically a light-yellow to brownish-red viscous oily liquid. It is practically insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, as well as vegetable oils. It is sensitive to oxidation and should be protected from light, heat, and oxygen during storage.
DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate is generally a clear to slightly yellow, viscous oily liquid with little to no taste. It is practically insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol, acetone, and vegetable oils. Compared with free α-tocopherol, the acetate form has greater stability and better resistance to oxidation, making it particularly suitable for feed and premix applications.
Application
Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin widely used in poultry, swine, ruminant, livestock, aquaculture, and other animal nutrition applications. It plays an important role in antioxidant protection, immune function, reproduction, and maintenance of normal muscle and cellular function.
Vitamin E supplementation can help:
- Support antioxidant protection and cellular integrity
- Support normal immune function
- Promote healthy growth and development
- Support reproductive performance
- Maintain normal muscle function and tissue health
- Support meat and product quality
- Help animals cope with nutritional and environmental challenges
- Prevent nutritional Vitamin E deficiency
DL-α-Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly incorporated into vitamin premixes, compound feeds, concentrates, and other animal-nutrition formulations because of its excellent stability and suitability for feed processing and storage.
Vitamin E supplementation should be formulated according to the specific nutritional requirements of the target animal species, production stage, and overall diet composition.
