tocopherol
Tocopherols are a group of fat-soluble compounds that are forms of VITAMIN E and function mainly as ANTIOXIDANTS.
Tocopherols are naturally occurring forms of VITAMIN E found in foods and body tissues. They help protect CELL membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Tocopherols include several related compounds, such as ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL and GAMMA-TOCOPHEROL, which differ in chemical structure and biological activity.
• Group of vitamin E compounds • Fat-soluble antioxidants • Protect cell membranes • Found naturally in many foods • Includes alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol forms
Vitamin E is used as a dietary supplement when the amount of vitamin E taken in the diet is not enough. People most at risk for vitamin E deficiency are those with a limited variety of food in their diet and people with Crohn's disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever), cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes problems with breathing, digestion, and reproduction), or who have gastrointestinal (GI) malabsorption problems (problems absorbing food). Vitamin E is also used to treat vitamin E deficiency in those at risk due to certain diseases and conditions. Vitamin E is in a class of medications called antioxidants. It is needed by the body to support the immune system and for blood clotting. It works as an antioxidant to protect your cells against free radicals.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking tocopherol affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Taking vitamin E (tocopherol) at the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and staying below the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant. For men, vitamin E deficiency may be associated with reduced sperm production, but it is not known whether excess vitamin E affects male fertility. Anyone with fertility concerns should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider.
Does taking tocopherol increase the risk of miscarriage?
The fact sheet notes that miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. No studies suggest that taking vitamin E above the RDA but below the UL, or having too little vitamin E, increases the chance of miscarriage, and studies have not been done on intakes above the UL. Questions about personal risk should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking tocopherol increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet states that taking vitamin E at the RDA and staying below the UL is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects, which occur in about 3% of all pregnancies. One study reported a higher chance of heart defects with intakes between 14.9 and 33.8 mg daily, and another reported a higher chance of heart defects when the RDA was not met, but the fact sheet notes this is not enough information to draw conclusions. Individual intake should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking tocopherol during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known whether taking too much or too little vitamin E causes other complications such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. One study found that parents with vitamin E blood levels at the high end of normal had newborns who were large for gestational age, but a single study is not enough to draw a conclusion. These questions are best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking tocopherol during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet indicates that taking vitamin E at the RDA and below the UL is not expected to affect future behavior or learning in the child. Human studies have not been done to evaluate whether too much or too little vitamin E increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. Concerns about child development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking tocopherol?
The fact sheet explains that vitamin E is a normal component of breast milk, and people who are breastfeeding should continue to get the daily recommended amount, which is higher than the RDA for pregnancy. Decisions about supplementation while breastfeeding should be made together with a healthcare provider and the child's pediatrician, who can review individual nutritional needs.
Source: National Library of Medicine
tocopherol