Vitamin E

Vitamin E is fat soluble and appears in eight different forms that are found naturally, each of which performs a different biological activity in the body. These forms are compounds known as tocopherols, specifically: alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, and theta. Of these eight, alpha-tocopheral is the most active and effective of the forms because it is better absorbed by the body. Additionally, alpha-tocopheral is also broken down and appears in both synthetic and natural forms. D-alpha-tocopherol, the natural form (labeled “D”), is more powerful than dl-alpha-tocopherol, the synthetic form (labeled “D,L”). The vitamin is stored in all the tissues of the body for a very short period of time but is excreted in bile and urine.

Vitamin E is very powerful as an antioxidant, an agent that fights against oxidizing free radicals that can be dangerous to heart health. It has the potential to act as a blood thinner and to prevent blood clots in the arteries from taking place altogether. The vitamin also prevents the oxidation of vitamins A and C and selenium as well. This vitamin can help you maintain your youthful appearance by slowing down the process of cellular aging.

Vitamin E is found in natural sources like milk and wheat germ oil, nuts, brussell sprouts, spinach, enriched flour, eggs as well as an assortment of plant leaves, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Vitamin E supplements originally were derived from wheat germ oil, but now are made from vegetable oils (such as soybean oil). These supplements come in several varieties encompassing both the natural and synthetic forms of the vitamin. Of these, the most commonly sold is the synthetic, because it is cheaper, but as stated, has been found to be less potent than its natural counterpart. The Recommended Daily Allowance is based on the natural form of the vitamin and currently stands at 8 mgs per day for women and 10 mgs for men, not to exceed 30mg per day total.

Those whose diet includes a high degree of polyunsaturated fat are advised to increase their dosages. Studies indicate that and intake of 100 to 250 I.U. daily is sufficient to reduce the risk of heart attack. A deficiency of Vitamin E is rare but may occur in individuals who cannot absorb fat in and therefore may require Vitamin E supplements. This is because some fat is needed to enable the vitamin to function properly. The vitamin works well with vitamin C and helps the body absorb the mineral selenium. Therefore it would be best for you to take a complete supplement that contains a whole blend of nutrients, and one which labeled as pharmaceutical GMP compliant to ensure you are getting the best ingredients possible.

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