A significant redistribution of cholesterol in lipoproteins following ingestion of large doses of D,L-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) is documented. In persons with decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol a complex response occurs, which includes cholesterol redistribution in favor of the HDL fraction, with decreases in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels and total triglycerides. The response was studied in five persons with average cholestrol distributions and five persons with cholesterol distributions associated with high risk of coronary heart disease. The mean elevation of the HDL cholesterol concentration in the former group was 168% of the initial value, while the latter group experienced post-therapy levels 375% of initial levels.