UsesFat-soluble vitamin E, which is a light yellow oil readily degradable by heat. As a vitamin, it is essential for normal muscle growth and prevents vitamin A destruction by deterioration. It also functions as an antioxidant. It prevents the oxidation of certain fatty acids and is stable unless the food becomes rancid. Vegetable oils contain a higher concentration of natural antioxidants, including tocopherols, than animal fats and are thus more stable. Tocopherol is obtained from vegetable oils, beans, eggs, and milk. It is also termed alpha-tocopherol.

UsesMedicine, nutrition, antioxidants for fats, animal feed additive.

Definition(vitamin E). Any of a group of related substances (α-, β-, γ-, andΔ-tocopherol) that constitute vitamin E. The α-form (which occurs naturally as the d-isomer) is the most potent. Occurs naturally in plants, especially wheat germ. All are derivatives of dihydrobenzo-γ-pyran and differ from each other only in the number and position of methyl groups. Vitamin E is required by certain rodents for normal reproduction. Muscular and central nervous system depletion along with generalized edema are deficiency symptoms in all animals. It is not required as a dietary supplement for humans.