A Century of Vitamin E: Early Milestones and Future Directions in Animal Nutrition

Abstract

Vitamin E, consisting of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, with α-tocopherol as the most biologically active form, has a significant history in scientific research. It was first identified in the 1920s for its role in preventing neonatal mortality in rats. Over time, its chemical structure was elucidated, and its importance in the immune system, skin health, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormonal balance was revealed. Vitamin E production has evolved from natural sourcing to efficient synthesis with standardized potency units. Initially, animal studies focused on reproductive health and growth disorders, but later research highlighted vitamin E’s role in preventing encephalomalacia in domestic fowl and muscular dystrophy in various animals. Today, vitamin E is commonly used as a feed additive to enhance animal health and immune function. Despite substantial knowledge about its role in animal nutrition, several questions remain unanswered. Current research seeks to determine optimal supplementation levels, interactions with other nutrients, impacts on gene expression, cell signaling, and communication, as well as the effects of high dosages in livestock. Vitamin E continues to be a crucial component in improving animal health, and ongoing research aims to uncover its benefits and mechanisms of action further.

Fattening Pigs with Tannin-Rich Source (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and High Doses of Vitamin E: Effects on Growth Performance, Economics, Digestibility, Physiology, and Behaviour

“…It is known that Vit E supplementation may reduce oxidative stress and subsequently improve pork quality [67]. Dietary polyphenols may also improve the antioxidative status and ameliorate oxidative stress in pigs [52].…”

Pet Wellness and Vitamin A: A Narrative Overview

“…Vitamin A and vitamin E are both powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage and play essential roles in maintaining skin health, vision, and the immune function [4,192]. While they have distinct antioxidant properties, they may also interact synergistically to enhance each other's effectiveness.…”

Peran Selenium dan Vitamin E pada Ruminansia: ulasan singkat

“…Saat ini, sumber vitamin E yang banyak digunakan untuk ternak ruminansia adalah adalah vitamin E sintetik. Vitamin E sintetik yang dinamakan Ephynal Acetate atau dl-α-tocopheryl acetate sebagai suplemen pada ternak pertama kali diperkenalkan pada tahun 1939 untuk terapi hipovitaminosis E (Shastak et al, 2023). Seiring waktu, perkembangan teknologi menghasilkan berbagai produk vitamin E sintetik untuk ternak ruminansia seperti dl-α-tocopherol yang dicampur dengan pakan seperti jerami kering, silase, pakan hijauan, dan rumput padang penggembalaan (Al-Mabruk et al, 2004;Zened et al, 2012;Politis, 2012;de Paiva Ferreira et al, 2020).…”