Academy’s Definition: Similar to B-vitamins, Vitamin-E has eight different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. These forms of Vitamin-E are collectively known as “mixed tocopherols”.

History: It was once thought that Vitamin-E was a single, vital compound, and it was given the name “tocopherol”. As technology advanced, researchers discovered that “tocopherol” can appear in many different forms. Four variations of tocopherol were named alpha- , beta- , gamma- and delta-tocopherol. And a slightly different set that was later named “tocotrienols” which also contained the alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta- variations. As it stands currently, all eight forms of Vitamin-E can be called “Vitamin-E” or “mixed tocopherols”, interchangeably.

Features: Mixed tocopherols are powerful antioxidants that promote better skin and coat health. Though, just like all other vitamins, they play an essential role in overall body function so they are not just limited to skin and coat benefits! If you see these terms in a bag of food, know that they are (1) very useful to the body and (2) a very well researched, and regulated, ingredient that can be consumed safely.