Tocophersolan (TPGS)

Tocofersolanis a synthetic water-soluble version of vitamin E. Natural forms of vitamin E are fat soluble, but not water-soluble. Tocofersolan is polyethylene glycol derivative of α-tocopherol that enables water solubility. Tocofersolan is used as a vitamin E supplement or to treat vitamin E deficiency in individuals who cannot absorb fats due to disease. Tocofersolan is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as an antioxidant. Oral tocofersolan was more bioavailable than the reference formulation in children with chronic cholestasis and similarly bioavailable in cystic fibrosis. Tocofersolan may represent an alternative to painful intramuscular vitamin E injections in chronic cholestasis, or to other oral formulations in cystic fibrosis.In children with malabsorption disorders, tocofersolan appears to have an increased bioavailability compared to tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate.