Could Nanotechnology Make Vitamin E Therapeutically Effective?

Vitamin E (VitE) has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is necessary for normal physiological function. alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-T), the predominant form of VitE in human tissues, has been extensively studied. Other VitE forms, particularly gamma-tocopherol (alpha-T), are also potent bioactive molecules. The effects are complex, involving both reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, but trials of VitE have been generally negative. We propose that a nanoparticle approach to delivery of VitE might provide effective delivery and therapeutic effect.