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Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) suppliers and sourcing guide

d-alpha-tocopherol (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is the single natural stereoisomer of alpha-tocopherol, sold as natural-source vitamin E. It is made from the tocopherol-rich distillate left over from deodorizing vegetable oils, mostly soybean, sunflower or rapeseed, by vacuum distillation; the other natural tocopherols are often converted to alpha-tocopherol by methylation. It is a viscous yellow to red-brown oil, and brands buy it as an oil concentrate sold by IU/g, as a dry powder, or as its more stable acetate or succinate ester.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
d-alpha-tocopherol · RRR-alpha-tocopherol · Natural-source vitamin E · CAS 59-02-9
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Oil concentrate

    d-alpha-tocopherol diluted with vegetable oil and sold by potency, for example 1,000 to 1,430 IU/g, for softgels and liquids.

  • Esters (acetate and succinate)

    d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (an oil) and d-alpha-tocopheryl acid succinate (a powder) resist oxidation better than free tocopherol; state which form a label amount refers to.

  • Dry powder

    Tocopherol or its acetate adsorbed onto silica or encapsulated in starch or gum acacia, for tablets, capsules and dry blends.

  • Non-GMO and soy-free grades

    Concentrates from sunflower or rapeseed oil, or identity-preserved soy, with source documentation.

  • Synthetic dl-alpha (for comparison)

    dl-alpha-tocopherol (all-rac) is chemically synthesized and is a different ingredient with a different IU conversion; it cannot replace d-alpha on a natural-source label.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC or HPLC)
d-alpha-tocopherol content in mg/g and IU/g, by gas chromatography as in the USP and FCC monographs, or by HPLC.
Stereochemical identity
Specific rotation after oxidation, or chiral HPLC, to confirm the natural RRR form and tell it apart from synthetic dl-alpha.
Other tocopherols
Beta, gamma and delta tocopherol content, reported for concentrates.
Acid value and peroxide value
Free acidity and oxidation of the oil, both signs of aging or poor storage.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier or monograph limit.
Residual solvents and pesticides
Solvent residues from processing and pesticide residues carried over from the source oil.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

d-alpha-tocopherol slowly oxidizes and darkens in air and light, so store it in full, tightly closed, nitrogen-flushed containers away from light and heat. The oil is viscous and may need gentle warming to pour, but repeated heating speeds oxidation. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with assay as the usual retest check.

Lots and expiry dates

Potency (IU/g) differs by grade and lot, so calculate formula input from each lot's assay. Record the plant source and non-GMO or allergen status for each lot, and keep natural d-alpha and synthetic dl-alpha as separate items.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) can brands buy?

Common forms include oil concentrate, esters (acetate and succinate), dry powder, non-GMO and soy-free grades and synthetic dl-alpha (for comparison). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) include?

Expect assay (GC or HPLC), stereochemical identity, other tocopherols, acid value and peroxide value, heavy metals and residual solvents and pesticides, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) be stored?

d-alpha-tocopherol slowly oxidizes and darkens in air and light, so store it in full, tightly closed, nitrogen-flushed containers away from light and heat. The oil is viscous and may need gentle warming to pour, but repeated heating speeds oxidation. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with assay as the usual retest check.

What is the regulatory status of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol)?

21 CFR 184.1890 describes d-alpha-tocopherol as obtained by vacuum steam distillation of edible vegetable oil products; GRAS affirmation in that section is limited to use as an inhibitor of nitrosamine formation in pump-cured bacon. 21 CFR 182.8890 lists tocopherols as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. 21 CFR 101.9 requires manufacturers to keep records of the amounts of all rac- and RRR-alpha-tocopherol when a food contains a mixture of the two. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists d-alpha tocopherol as a source ingredient for vitamin E.

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