GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Vitamin E is found in wheat germ oil, soybean
oil, safflower oil, peanuts, whole grains (wheat, rice, oats), green, leafy vegetables, cabbage, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and egg
yolks.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps
to neutralize potentially damaging free radicals,
and prevents polyunsaturated oils from breaking down. It may also be useful in gangrene,
diabetes mellitus, congenital heart disease, phlebitis, and other leg problems due to
poor circulation. Also helps with varicose veins. Some research
has suggested that vitamin E can help to prevent stroke and
other cardiovascular problems. A handful of studies have found that 400 to 800 IU of natural vitamin E per day lowers the risk of heart attack,
however other trials have obtained conflicting results.
Thus, the value of vitamin E for these purposes remains
inconclusive.
Results of the Alpha Tocopherol-Beta Carotene Study, which involved more than 29,000 men,
revealed that men who took vitamin E supplements were 32%
less likely to develop prostate cancer and 41% less likely
to die from the disease. Vitamin E may help to normalize the activity of ovaries in women, hence improving periods and preventing excessive
bleeding and vaginal dryness. Research suggests that vitamin
E may boost the immune system and if applied externally
it eliminates radiation burns and reduces scarring. It may also
benefit patients with osteoarthritis and may help relieve menopausal
symptoms. Finally, vitamin E may increase stamina in athletes and improve
the action of insulin.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Vitamin E deficiencies are extremely rare.
Symptoms include: decreased survival time of red blood cells, faulty fat absorption, anemia in
premature infants, degeneration of the brain and spinal
cord, premature births and higher risk of miscarriage,
decrease in sex hormones, and a higher risk of skin cancer.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
400-1,200 IU. To obtain these potencies, one
should use natural vitamin E supplements, as d-alpha tocopherol or the dry form, d-alpha tocopherol succinate. RDA is 8 mg (12 I.U.) for women
and 10 mg (15 I.U.) for men. The European RDA is 15 mg (22
I.U.)
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
800IU (long and short term) The daily tolerable
upper intake level for adults established by the National Academy of Sciences is 1,000 mg of
vitamin E, which is equivalent to 1,500 I.U. of natural
vitamin E or 1,100 I.U. of synthetic vitamin
E.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Vitamin E should not be taken in combination
with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. People prescribed these drugs should
consult their doctor before taking supplementary vitamin E.
Due to vitamin E’s blood-thinning properties, people scheduled for elective surgery (including
dental surgery) are advised to avoid supplementary vitamin E
for two days before and after surgery.
SOLUBILITY:
soluble
