The effects of intravenously administered dl α-tocopheryl acetate on the plasma, erythrocyte and thrombocyte vitamin E levels were investigated in male subjects. 110 mg dl -α-tocopheryl acetate were applied as a single dose in the form of a rapid infusion. After 60 min, 89% of the dl α-tocopheryl ester had been eliminated. The vitamin E ester injected was hydrolyzed and was detected in the plasma and the erythrocytes as free α-tocopherol. No significant change in the tocopherol concentration was observed in the thrombocytes. The results show that intravenously applied, esterified tocopherol is hydrolyzed relatively rapidly in the plasma, leading to an increase of free α-tocopherol content in the plasma and erythrocytes. The ratio of erythrocyte/plasma tocopherol 2 h after injection was 61 % higher than the initial value; after 24 h the elevation was still