Abstract
The bioavailability of α-tocopherol acetate and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) was assessed in male rabbits given 50 mg kg-1 doses according to a randomized design. After intramuscular injection of α-tocopherol acetate in colloidal aqueous solution, a mean absolute bioavailability of 65% was calculated for the acetate and 35% for the physiologically active compound, α-tocopherol. Comparison of the kinetic profiles after intravenous and intramuscular administration of the acetate and intravenous injection of α-tocopherol, revealed absorption of α-tocopherol acetate from the site of injection and hydrolysis of the acetate to be potential limiting steps in the bioavailability of α-tocopherol. Intramuscularly injected α-tocopherol acetate in olive oil (the only formulation available in a few European countries) proved completely bio-unavailable. It thus appears necessary to re-assess the utility of current vitamin E supplementation, since the only formulations available offer poor bioavailability.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 415-417 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1989 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Pharmacology