Quantitative measurement of α-tocopherol from a dried blood spot. Performed by LC-MS/MS for assessment of antioxidant status and deficiency-related neurological risk.
α-Tocopherol
3–5 working days
This method quantifies α-tocopherol (the most biologically active form of vitamin E) from a dried blood spot. Vitamin E is the body's principal lipid-soluble antioxidant, and its measurement is critical in evaluating oxidative stress status and diagnosing deficiency-related neuromuscular disease.
Clinical indications include:
Vitamin E encompasses a group of eight naturally occurring compounds — four tocopherols and four tocotrienols — of which α-tocopherol is the most abundant and biologically active form in human tissues. It is preferentially retained in the body via hepatic α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP).
Primary role is preventing lipid peroxidation in cell membranes
Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency — a genetic disorder of α-TTP causing severe neurodegeneration
Works with vitamin C to regenerate its antioxidant capacity at the membrane surface
α-Tocopherol functions primarily as a chain-breaking antioxidant, intercepting lipid peroxyl radicals within polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich cell membranes. This protective role is particularly important in tissues with high metabolic rates and oxygen exposure, including the brain, retina, and skeletal muscle.
Deficiency is rare in the general population but clinically significant in patients with fat malabsorption, genetic defects in α-TTP (causing ataxia with vitamin E deficiency, AVED), or cholestatic liver disease. Progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and retinitis pigmentosa are hallmark features of prolonged deficiency. In premature neonates, low vitamin E stores contribute to haemolytic anaemia and retinopathy of prematurity.
Vitamin E status is best interpreted in the context of circulating lipid levels, as tocopherol is transported in lipoproteins. The α-tocopherol:total lipid ratio may provide a more accurate assessment than absolute tocopherol concentration alone, particularly in patients with dyslipidaemia.
α-Tocopherol is extracted from a dried blood spot and quantified by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS using a deuterium-labelled internal standard (d6-α-tocopherol). The method provides high specificity, distinguishing α-tocopherol from γ-tocopherol and other tocopherol isoforms without chromatographic co-elution.
LC-MS/MS overcomes the limitations of older HPLC-UV and fluorescence methods, which are susceptible to interference from structurally similar compounds including γ-tocopherol and oxidation products.
Dried blood spots provide a stable matrix for tocopherol measurement. Light-protected DBS cards are stable at ambient temperature during transit, making the method well suited for remote collection and postal delivery.
From enquiry to results in a few simple steps — no clinic visit required.
This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:
Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
This test measures alpha-tocopherol, the most biologically active form of vitamin E, from a dried blood spot by LC-MS/MS. Alpha-tocopherol is preferentially retained in the body via hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein and is the form most relevant for clinical assessment of vitamin E status and antioxidant capacity.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, skeletal muscle weakness, and retinitis pigmentosa. These neurological complications are often underdiagnosed because symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Testing is particularly important in patients with fat malabsorption disorders, cholestatic liver disease, or genetic defects in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein.
The test uses a simple finger-prick to collect a few drops of blood onto a dried blood spot (DBS) card. You can do this at home or in a clinic — no venous blood draw is needed. Light-protected DBS cards are stable at ambient temperature during transit, making the method well suited for remote collection and postal delivery.
Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS using a deuterium-labelled internal standard, which provides high specificity and distinguishes alpha-tocopherol from gamma-tocopherol and other isoforms.
The most common causes are fat malabsorption syndromes including coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, and cholestatic liver disease. A rare genetic condition called abetalipoproteinaemia also causes severe deficiency. Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) results from mutations in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein gene. Dietary deficiency alone is rare in developed countries because vitamin E is found in many foods including vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.
Masdiag's vitamin E test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.