It is a synthetic form of vitamin E found in dietary supplements and skin care products.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Many studies have found tocopheryl acetate to be ineffective for these uses.
There is some evidence that vitamin E may even cause harm.
Tocopheryl Acetate Deficiency
Tocopheryl acetate is a form of vitamin E supplement.
Those at risk of developing a vitamin E deficiency include people with Crohn’s disease orcystic fibrosis.
Signs of vitamin E deficiency include:
Deficiency can be confirmed with a blood test.
Treating Vitamin E Deficiency
Tocopheryl acetate may be used to treat vitamin E deficiency.
However, in cases of fat malabsorption, a water-soluble form of vitamin E may be needed instead.
This should be managed under medical supervision.
What Are the Side Effects of Tocopheryl Acetate?
Tocopheryl acetate is relatively safe when taken in recommended amounts.
If you take the maximum daily intake or less, tocopheryl acetate is unlikely to cause side effects.
Higher doses in the long term increase the chances of adverse health effects.
The amount of vitamin E required daily depends on a persons age and other factors.
Additionally, the RDA for vitamin E is provided in milligrams (mg).
However, vitamin E may still be listed as international units (IU) instead of milligrams.
Supplementing vitamin E above the RDA level will depend on your vitamin E status and clinical condition.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Tocopheryl Acetate?
Taking too much tocopheryl acetate may increase your risk of side effects.
Long-term high dosages can lead to toxicity.
How to Store Tocopheryl Acetate
Store tocopheryl acetate away from light, heat, and moisture.
Be sure to store medications and supplements out of reach of children and pets.
Similar Supplements
Alpha-tocopherol is another form of vitamin E supplement.
Vitamin E supplementation showed no clinical effect on glucose control in people withtype 2 diabetes.
Tocopheryl acetate is available as an oral supplement or a topical solution.
Vitamin E supplements are available as a single nutrient supplement or can be found in antioxidant formulations and multivitamins.
Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is absorbed as efficiently as alpha-tocopherol.
Summary
Tocopheryl acetate is a key in of vitamin E supplement available.
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient.
Most people get the required amount of vitamin E from their diet.
A vitamin E deficiency is possible but rare.
Vitamin E has been studied for preventative measures against certain diseases.
When weighing the benefit-to-risk ratio, there feels like little benefit to moderate risk.
Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before taking them.
National Institutes of Health.
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