Methyltocols, also known as vitamin E, are a group of compounds that consist of various methylated phenols. The term "tocopherol" comes from the Greek words "tokos" meaning birth and "pherin" meaning to give or transfer. There are eight different forms of Methyltocols that come in four isomers - alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherol. Each isomer can have saturated side chains or chains with missing hydrogen atoms.

Chemical Composition of Tocopherols

All forms of Methyltocols share a common chromanol ring structure but differ based on the number and position of methyl groups on the ring. Alpha-tocopherol has a saturated phytyl side chain and is the most biologically active form. Beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol have unsaturated side chains missing one, two or three methyl groups respectively from the alpha form. While Tocopherols  has the highest vitamin E activity, the other forms also possess important biological functions as antioxidants and might provide additional health benefits.

Sources and Functions of Methyltocols

Methyltocols are synthesised by plants and can be obtained through the diet. Major dietary sources include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables and fortified foods. In the human body, Methyltocols function as chain-breaking antioxidants that protect cell membranes and lipoproteins from oxidative damage by reacting with lipid peroxyl radicals. They help maintain the integrity of cell structures and prevent cell damage from free radicals involved in ageing and diseases. Alpha-tocopherol is the form that is preferentially absorbed and transported to tissues by the body.

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