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As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats)
and the formation of free radicals. It protects other fat-soluable vitamins from destruction by
oxygen, and aids in the utilization of vitamin A and protects it from destruction by oxygen. It
retards aging and may prevent age spots as well.
Vitamin E deficiency may result in damage to red blood cells and destruction of nerves. Signs of
deficiency can include infertility (in both men and women), menstrual problems, neuromuscular
impairment, shortened red blood cell life span, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and
uterine degeneration. Low levels of vitamin E in the body have been linked to both bowel
cancer and breast cancer. Epidemiological links have been identified between the increase
in the incidence of heart disease and the increasing lack of vitamin E in the diet due to
our reliance on overprocessed foods.
Vitamin E is actually a family of eight different but related molecules that fall into two
major groups: the tocopherols and the tocotrienols. Within each group, there are alpha beta, gamma,
and delta forms. Of all eight of these molecules, it is the alpha-tocopherol form that is the most
potent.
Sources
Vitamin E is found in the following food sources: cold-pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy
vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Significant quantities of this vitamin are also
found in brown rice, cornmeal, dulse, eggs, kelp, dessicated liver, milk, oatmeal, organ meats,
soybeans, sweet potatoes, watercress, wheat, and wheat germ. Herbs that contain vitamin E include
alfalfa, bladderwrack, dandelion, dong quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry leaf, and
rose hips.
Comments
The body needs zinc in order to maintain the proper level of vitamin E in the blood.
If you take both vitamin E and iron supplements, take them at different times of the day. Inorganic
forms of iron (such as ferrous sulfate) destroy vitamin E. Organic iron (ferrous gluconate or
ferrous fumarate) leaves vitamin E intact.
Cautions
If you are taking an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner), do not take more than 1,200 IU of
vitamin E daily. If you suffer from diabetes, rheumatic heart disease, or an overactive thyroid,
do not take more than the recommended dose. If you have high blood pressure, start with a small
amount, such as 200 IU daily, and increase slowly to the desired amount.
LINKS TO ONLINE STORES
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is important in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular
disease. It improves circulation, is necessary for tissue repair, and is useful in treating
premenstrual syndrome and fibrocystic disease of the breast. It promotes normal blood clotting
and healing, reduces scarring from some wounds, reduces blood pressure, aids in preventing
cataracts, improves athletic performance, and relaxes leg cramps. It also maintains healthy
nerves and muscles while strengthening capillary wall. In addition, it promotes healthy skin and
hair, and helps to prevent anemia and retrolental fibroplasia, an eye disorder that can
affect premature infants.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Vitamins Index
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