ABSTRACT
Bio-availability of different alpha-tocopherol forms in livestock animals is measured by the increase in plasma or tissue concentrations of alpha-tocopherol after oral administration. It is generally accepted that RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural source vitamin E derived from vegetable oil) has a higher bio-availability compared to all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic vitamin E, i.e. alpha-tocopherol produced by chemical synthesis). However, different bio-availability ratios have been reported in the literature. The major reason for conflicting results in literature studies was the inability to separate the proportion of alpha-tocopherol originating from test materials, from the proportion of alpha-tocopherol originating from basal dietary ingredients and pre-feeding. This causes significant variability. For bio-availability determination, a baseline or control treatment is essential. The estimation of bio-availability without correction for basal vitamin E status will lead to incorrect interpretation of the results. When using proper methodologies, it is possible to correct for the impact of alpha-tocopherol intake from basal ingredients and alpha-tocopherol originating from pre-feeding, therefore yielding results reflecting the true relative bio-availability of different alpha-tocopherol substances. When reviewing literature data a critical evaluation of the method used in determination of relative bio-availability is recommended.
