The occurrence of an anti-sterility factor which was characterized as a vitamin was first reported in 1992; later in 1925, it was given the designation vitamin E. It is now known that vitamin E compromises two groups of related compunds, known as tocopherols and tocotrienols and that, in nature, there are four homologues in each group (Figure 1). Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which is presented in small amount in vegetable oils. Studies on the identity of vitamin E compunds in oils and fats have shown that by contrast with the situation in other vegetables oil, vitamin E in palm oil mainly composed of tocotrienols (Table 1).

Main Research: Abd Gapor Mat Top