Vitamin E, particularly in the form of mixed tocopherols, is widely recognized for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can cause cellular damage—commonly referred to as "free radical damage." Numerous in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that Vitamin E can effectively scavenge free radicals and protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. The biological plausibility of using Vitamin E to mitigate free radical damage is strong, as Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that interrupts lipid peroxidation chain reactions in cellular membranes.

Human studies have provided mixed results. While some observational studies suggest that higher Vitamin E status is associated with reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress, large randomized controlled trials have not consistently shown clear clinical benefits of Vitamin E supplementation for reducing disease risk associated with oxidative damage (such as cardiovascular disease or cancer). Nonetheless, the antioxidant role of Vitamin E at the molecular level is well-established, and it is commonly used in both research and clinical settings as a marker or modulator of oxidative stress.

In summary, there is scientific validation for the use of Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) to support the body's defense against free radical damage at the biochemical and cellular level, though robust clinical outcome evidence in humans remains limited.