Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Alpha-tocopherol, also known as vitamin E1, is one of several forms of vitamin E. It appears as a light yellow, viscous, odorless, oily liquid that deteriorates on exposure to light. Alpha-tocopherol is obtained from wheat germ oil or by synthesis, biologically exhibits the most vitamin E activity of the α-tocopherols, and is an antioxidant retarding rancidity by interfering with the autoxidation of fats.^[1]

Vitamin E is found in foods such as vegetable oils and shortening, meat, eggs, milk, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is important for many processes in the body.

Vitamin E is used to treat Vitamin E deficiency. It is available as a liquid and as liquid-filled capsules. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and can be toxic to the liver if it is taken in too high a dose.^[2]