The distribution and relative hydrolysis of tocopheryl acetate in the different matrices coexisting in the lumen of the small intestine during digestion could explain its low bioavailability.

Scope: Vitamin E is present in feed and food mainly as d-α-tocopherol (d-α-TOL) but also as all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (rac-α-TAC) through supplementation. Its absorption efficiency is low compared to that of triacylglycerols. The aim of this work was thus to study the fate of TAC during digestion.