α-tocopherol quinone is chemically reduced by combination with a reducing agent, such as tin (II) ion in the form of stannous chloride (SnCl2-2H20), or by chromium (III) ion, such as chromium (III) in the form of chromium chloride (CrCl3-6H20). Purified α-tocopherol is obtained from α-tocopherol formed by reduction of an oxidized α-tocopherol, such as α-tocopherol quinone, by tin (II) ion or chromium (III) ion. Purified α-tocopherol of the invention can be administered to patients in need thereof, α-tocopherol is preserved by combination with a reducing agent