Look at any Vitamin E supplement label and you will see either d-alpha-tocopherol (natural) or dl-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic). That one-letter difference — the “l” — represents a significant quality distinction. We use the natural form.
The “d” prefix indicates a single stereoisomer found in nature. The “dl” prefix indicates a racemic mixture of eight stereoisomers, only one of which is the biologically active form your body preferentially uses.
Research indicates natural d-alpha-tocopherol has roughly twice the biological activity of synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol. Your body's alpha-tocopherol transfer protein preferentially selects the natural form for distribution to tissues.
We use d-alpha tocopheryl acetate at 7.4mg (49% DV). The acetate ester provides stability in the gummy format while delivering the natural form of Vitamin E. This costs more than synthetic, but we believe the bioavailability advantage justifies it.
When you see 7.4mg of natural Vitamin E on our label, your body utilizes more of it than 7.4mg of synthetic Vitamin E from a budget supplement. It is one of several premium ingredient form decisions in Gelagen where we prioritized quality.