Plasma tocopherol in sheep and cattle after ingesting free or acetylated tocopherol.

Two trials were carried out to evaluate the bioavailability of dl-alpha-tocopherol and dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate administered to sheep and cattle in a single oral dose. In the first trial, two groups of five sheep were used. They received 100 mg/kg body weight of either dl-alpha-tocopherol or its acetylated form. The blood plasma alpha-tocopherol tolerance curve area was higher in the dl-alpha-tocopherol group than in its ester form. The time to reach maximum plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration was less in the dl-alpha-tocopherol group than in its ester form. In a second trial, four heifers received the two forms (50 mg/kg body weight) in rotation after an appropriate washing period between the two dosings. Again, plasma tolerance curve area was greater in the cattle following administration of dl-alpha-tocopherol than its acetylated form.