A randomized, crossover study to evaluate α-tocopherol bioavailability via a microemulsion gel or dry tablet delivery in healthy adults

Background Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) is an essential micronutrient for human health and optimal physiological function. Inadequacy may be common due to a lack of bioavailability. The use of dietary lipids alongside other emulsification agents may elicit more robust serum concentrations of α-tocopherol via improved bioavailability. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine oral bioavailability of two delivery methods of α-tocopherol, (1) a microemulsion gel formula composed of dietary lipids and other emulsification agents and (2) a dry solid tablet over 12 hours. Methods Twelve participants (age = 37.3 ± 9.6 years; height = 173.4 ± 11.8 cm; body mass = 71.2 ± 10.0 kg) participated in a double-blind, randomized, crossover trial comparing two delivery methods both dosed at 288 mg of α-tocopherol. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations were assessed from blood donated by participants at pre-consumption, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-hour post-consumption. Study conditions were separated by a 7-day washout. Results The microemulsion gel formula delivery demonstrated significantly greater area under the curve ( p < 0.001) and serum concentration maximums ( p = 0.003) for serum α-tocopherol compared to the tablet delivery. No significant differences were detected between conditions for the time to reach concentration maximums ( p = 0.375). Conclusion We conclude that a mixture of dietary lipids and emulsification agents in the form of a microemulsion gel formula was able to significantly improve bioavailability of serum α-tocopherol compared to a tablet by yielding higher serum α-tocopherol maximum concentrations and area under the curve over a 12-hour study period despite dosage being matched.