Weekly
Healthy Advice From VÄXA
Vitamin E... How Can It
Help Me?
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble
vitamin more easily absorbed when taken with fat-containing
foods, occurs in eight forms. Alpha-tocopherol, the most active
form, is a powerful bio-antioxidant in the human body. Alpha-tocopherol
acetate (Vitamin E supplement) protects Alpha-tocopherol's
ability to work as an antioxidant. The synthetic supplemental
form is labeled (D, L) while the natural form is labeled D.
Vitamin E helps to protect cells from damage done by free
radicals unpaired atomic electrons in the environment that
attach themselves to cells and cause damage. Free radicals
could play a part in the development of heart disease and
cancer. Vitamin E can help prevent this by improving immune
function and aiding in other metabolic processes.
Where Can I Get A Rich Supply Of Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is present in some foods, including:
Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals,
wheat germ, sweet potatoes, avocados, spinach (both cooked
and raw), broccoli, eggs, canned tuna, and salmon.
To enhance the healing of skin wounds and help fight against
environmental pollutants, Vitamin E is often taken together
with Vitamin C. Vitamin E also has chelating properties, meaning
that it is capable of flushing toxic heavy metals like mercury
from body tissues. Some studies have said it can boost the
immune system, offering protection against illness to vulnerable
individuals such as the elderly.
Vitamin E deficiency, although very rare, occurs especially
in those who are unable to absorb fat because of low bile
production or other rare fat-metabolizing disorders. Signs
of deficiency include neurological problems connected to nerve
degeneration in the hands and feet. One should consult with
a physician to see if their symptoms are a result of Vitamin
E deficiency or another condition.
Because Vitamin E is a blood thinner, those people already
taking blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin or prescription
anticoagulants should first talk with a physician before beginning
supplementation with Vitamin E.
Recommended Daily Allowance is set at 8 mgs per day for women
and 10 mgs for men. Higher doses are often taken for therapeutic
Vitamin E benefits. Unlike some other fat-soluble vitamins,
high doses of Vitamin E have resulted in no known toxic effects.
Since Vitamin E works best with Vitamin C, and also gives
the mineral Selenium better absorption, taking a comprehensive
formula that includes Vitamin E is better than taking it as
a stand-alone vitamin supplement.
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