Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues, and reduces the clogging of blood vessels – including those in your brain. It increase blood flow, and helps to prevent heart disease, strokes, sterility, asthma, arthritis, cataracts, dementia, diabetes, and cancer. It is also important for reproductive functions in both sexes. It is also essential for proper functioning of your thyroid, and helps speed up healing.

You may have seen news reports saying that men who take Vitamin E have a higher incidence of prostrate cancer. The men in the study were given the synthetic Vitamin E. The Vitamin E that occurs naturally is gamma tocopherol.

My personal experience –

When I was many many years younger, I suffered from monthly migraines. A kindly old pharmacist who was retiring and no longer cared if they took away his license told me to take 400 iu of Vitamin E a day. He explained that it would increase the elasticity of my veins and allow the blood to flow better. It worked. No more monthly migraines. I’ve been taking it ever since. And yes, I’ve been taking the cheap synthetic form all these years. I also eat many of the foods that contain natural Vitamin E.

What you need to know about Vitamin E supplements – 

Vitamin E is actually a family of eight different molecules. These molecules are divided into two groups: tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Look for a gel capsule that contains these three tocopherols: beta, delta, and gamma. This is known as a “mixed tocopherol” because it contains three fractions of vitamin E. It provides balanced antioxidant protection.

Alpha-tocopherol (sometimes listed as D-alpha or d-alpha-tocopherol) is the fourth fraction of tocopherol. It is the most common form of vitamin E supplements. But avoid taking this on its own as it upsets the balance of the other three factions, making them less effective. A word of caution: Dl-alpha (notice the difference in prefix) is a synthetic form of vitamin E and should be avoided for internal use. Look on the bottle to make sure it contains only 100 percent natural sources. If you can find a gel cap that adds in a healthy sprinkling of tocotrienols, that’s even better! Lastly, always combine your vitamin E supplement with 200 mcg (micrograms) of selenium for enhanced antioxidant protection.

Where to get vitamin E naturally –

Almonds, apples, apricots, avocado, chicken, eggs, milk, fish, meat, nectarines, peaches, peanuts, pumpkin, seafood, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin)

Vitamin E is a blood thinner. You should not take more than 400 IU a day unless under a doctor’s supervision. You should not take Vitamin E if you are taking a blood thinner.