Vitamin E

STRENGTH: 400 IU
FORM: 100 Softgels

Vitamin E is what some would consider as a ‘staple’ antioxidant. It exists in eight different forms, and of these forms alpha-tocopherol is one of the most active forms in the vitamin E family. It protects unsaturated fats that are a part of the cells from damage and breakdown, and prevents the destruction of red blood cells. This powerful vitamin has the ability to scavenge free radicals (destructive by-products of metabolism), it prevents damage to cell membranes thereby reducing the risk of circulatory issues and other serious pathologies. Furthermore, vitamin E keeps the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) from building up and depositing in the arteries which can cause serious problems. It has also been shown to speed up healing in burn and post-op patients and, in recent studies, it states that Vitamin E seems to ease the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, to reduce the risk of cataracts, to bolster the immune system, even to slow the progress of certain neuromuscular diseases.

This one ingredient is probably the most abused fat soluble constituent by food companies in the world. It is readily removed from processed foods (and oils), and is destroyed for the most part because when it isn’t in a food the shelf life will increase many times over. Have you ever wondered why there are so many health problems in our society that can be traced back to a sub-clinical deficiency of this one fat soluble vitamin? It is because society as a whole doesn’t eat enough of the types of foods that contain this vitamin in its raw form. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of something called ‘free radicals’, which can cause tremendous damage to the body over time. The turmoil they cause contributes to cell damage that may lead to the development of a number of pathologies, including cataracts and cancer. The most recognized pathology that is associated with the lack of vitamin E and its fractions today is cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease holds the number one position as a ‘taker of life’ in today’s society.

Vitamin E can be found in:
- Wheat germ
- Vegetable oil and margarine
- Avocado
- Whole grain products
- Egg yolk
- Nuts
- Liver
- Peanut butter

A deficiency of vitamin E may also cause disorders of reproduction; abnormalities of muscle, liver, bone marrow, and brain function; hemolysis of RBCs; defective embryogenesis (birth defects); and exudative diathesis (a disorder of capillary permeability). Studies have shown that taking vitamin E and its fractions preventatively and regularly will help prevent vascular pathologies, and over time can even reduce damage created by a less than healthy life style. The antioxidant activity of alpha-tocopherol is similar to that of glutathione, which is a very potent member of the antioxidant family that helps to protect us. Vitamin E’s antioxidant power is a well recognized benefit that becomes more important as we age! †

Also available: Vitamin E 1000IU and Vitamin E with Selenium

REFERENCES:

1. Stampfer M., Hennekens C., Manson J, et.al.: Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary disease in women. N Eng J Med 1993;328:1444-1449.
2. Jialal I., Grundy S.: Effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate and beta-carotene on low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Circulation 1993;88:2780-2786.
3. Stephens, N. G., A. Parsons, P. M. Schofield, F. Kelly, K. Cheeseman and M. J. Mitchinson (1996). "Randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in patients with coronary disease: Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study (CHAOS)." Lancet 347(9004): 781-6.