Vitamin E: What Is It?

Vitamin E: a natural shield

Alpha-Tocopherol works by protecting polyunsaturated fats from lipid peroxidation, a chemical reaction which produces oxygen derivatives that are highly toxic for our body: reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E traps them.

Oxidation phenomena are involved in many degenerative processes, particularly aging, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to this antioxidant function, this vitamin is also involved in the immune function. It modulates inflammatory processes and platelet aggregation. The aim of this document is to present what is known about alpha-tocopherol intake for children and adults living in France and the impact of vitamin E intake on health.

This monograph was published by the Louis Bonduelle Foundation. Find out more in the Vegetables and Nutrients section.