Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. The term refers to a family of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols, with alpha-tocopherol being the main form used by the human body.

It is found naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, avocado and leafy greens, and is commonly included in supplements for antioxidant protection, immune function and skin health.

Antioxidant and Cellular Protection

Vitamin E helps protect fats within cell membranes from oxidation.

Because cell membranes contain large amounts of fatty acids, they are particularly vulnerable to damage from free radicals. Vitamin E helps stabilise these membranes and works alongside other antioxidants, including vitamin C, to support normal cellular defence.

This makes it particularly relevant during ageing, physical activity and periods of increased oxidative stress.

Immune and Skin Health

Vitamin E contributes to normal immune function and helps protect immune cells from oxidative damage.

Its antioxidant role is also important for the skin, where lipids form part of the protective barrier that helps retain moisture and defend against environmental stress.

For this reason, vitamin E is often paired with nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids and collagen in skin and healthy-ageing formulas.

Vitamin E and Dietary Fats

Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it is absorbed alongside dietary fat and stored within body tissues.

Natural sources include almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, avocado and plant oils. Taking supplemental vitamin E with a meal containing some fat can also support absorption.

Vitamin E for Pets

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for dogs and cats and plays an important role in antioxidant protection, immune function, muscle health and skin and coat condition.

It is particularly useful in formulas containing omega-3 fatty acids or other polyunsaturated fats, which are more vulnerable to oxidation. For this reason, vitamin E is commonly included alongside fish oil and other marine ingredients in pet supplements.

Vitamin E in O2B Products

At O2B Healthy, vitamin E is included in O2B Collagen+, O2B Multi Vitamin and O2B Evening Primrose Oil, while O2B Hempseed Oil naturally provides small amounts as part of its nutrient profile. Across these products, vitamin E contributes antioxidant support and helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress, complementing nutrients involved in skin health, immune function, healthy ageing and overall cellular wellbeing.