Indicator Explainer
Alpha-Tocopherol
The orally bioavailable alpha form of the naturally-occurring fat-soluble vitamin E, with potent antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. Upon administration, alpha-tocopherol neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting tissues and organs from oxidative damage. Alpha-tocopherol gets incorporated into biological membranes, prevents protein oxidation and inhibits lipid peroxidation, thereby maintaining cell membrane integrity and protecting the cell against damage. In addition, alpha-tocopherol inhibits the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKC-mediated pathways. Alpha-tocopherol also modulates the expression of various genes, plays a key role in neurological function, inhibits platelet aggregation and enhances vasodilation. Compared with other forms of tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form and is the form that is preferentially absorbed and retained in the body.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C74960. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-19. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
Related Tests
Tests that measure or involve this indicator.
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Alpha-Tocopherol (C74960)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C74960. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- TNFRSF10B Implicated in Osteoarthritis Protection via the Alpha-Tocopherol-to-Sulfate Ratio: A Multiomics and Mendelian Randomization Study. — Int J Mol Sci, 2026-09-20 (PMID 42794810; literature)
- Changes in Lipoprotein Fractions and Lipoprotein-Associated Alpha-Tocopherol After Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients With Severe Obesity. — Cardiol Res, 2026-07-17 (PMID 42524589; literature)
- Exploring the role of alpha-tocopherol in pain and inflammation: interplay with TRPV1, PKA, and PKC pathways. — Korean J Pain, 2026-06-12 (PMID 42281344; literature)
- Enrichment of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Using Cobalamin and Alpha-Tocopherol to Modulate Growth Factor Release. — J Vis Exp, 2026-05-22 (PMID 42258410; literature)
- Therapeutic potential of alpha-tocopherol in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory damage after experimental traumatic brain injury and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. — Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2026-05-19 (PMID 42154014; literature)
- Divergent Effects of Palm Tocotrienol-Rich Mixture in Refined Olive Oil and Alpha-Tocopherol on Joint Health in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis Induced with Monosodium Iodoacetate. — Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2026-10-05 (PMID 42943277; literature)