Figure 4.

Basic properties and structure of vitamin E. Keys facts regarding vitamin E and its role as a scavenger of free radicals; the structure of vitamin E.

* A group of eight fat-soluble compounds

* α-tocopherol is the biologically most active form

* Absorbed into lymphatics from the intestines

* Protects lipids from peroxidative damage

* A chain-breaking antioxidant that reacts with, ·O₂^{− 1}O₂, peroxyl (ROO·), and alkoxyl (RO·) radicals

* Major lipid-soluble antioxidant protecting membranes and lipoproteins from injury

* Vitamin E· (radical form) is reduced back to Vitamin E by Vitamin C