Vitamin E is an umbrella term for eight fat-soluble compounds with definite antioxidant qualities. Four of the eight are called tocopherols; the other four are known as tocotrienols.
Both tocopherols and tocotrienols exist in four forms alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Each form has its own biological function and potency, but of the eight, alpha-tocopherol is the most active type of Vitamin E in humans, and the only one maintained in human blood circulation.
Vitamin E is absorbed into the lymph with fat and bile salt from the intestines, and then is picked up by the blood stream and carried to the liver, where it is used immediately or stored. Vitamin E serves as a co-enzyme in cellular membranes, and acts as a scavenger for free radicals destructive to internal cellular components.
As a whole, Vitamin E is the most effective, fat-soluble antioxidant known to the human body. It is found naturally in some foods and added to others.
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient crucial for good health.
- Vitamin E is an intelligent choice to help ensure a sufficient daily intake of the heart-health supplements you need most.
- Some people, including those on low-fat diets, may not be meeting the recommended daily intake for Vitamin E.
- Topical Vitamin E can be absorbed through the skin.
- Studies support the ability of Vitamin E to promote antioxidant health.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body.
- Vitamin E promotes the health of your cardiovascular system.
- Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.
- Studies support the ability of Vitamin E to promote heart health.
- Vitamin E's antioxidant properties support skin health.
- Vitamin E helps maintain a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin E helps support prostate health.
- Free radicals can contribute to oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to the premature aging of cells.
Functions
The key function of Vitamin E is to protect the physical stability of the body's intracellular membrane, and help defend against tissue damage caused by oxidation. Vitamin E lessens the oxidation of lipid membranes and fatty acids, thereby reducing cellular damage.
Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant which helps stabilize cell membranes and protect tissue which is more sensitive to oxidation, such as the skin, eyes, liver, breast, and testes. When applied to the skin, creams and oils containing Vitamin E are believed to promote healing, reduce itchiness, and protect cells from free-radical damage. The benefits of the antioxidant qualities of Vitamin E are enhanced by other antioxidants such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, glutathione(L-cysteine), and the mineral selenium.
- Cardiovascular health: Vitamin E helps protect against heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It helps prevent the oxidation of lipoproteins (especially in smokers), and reduces the adhesiveness of platelets in the bloodstream. Vitamin E keeps arteries flexible to allow free blood flow, and helps prevent arteries from clogging by blocking the formation of plaque. Vitamin E also thins the blood and may help prevent the formation of dangerous clots.
- Prostate and breast health:Some cancers may result from oxidative damage to DNA caused by free radicals Antioxidants such as Vitamin E can help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, and may also help protect against the spread of cancer by enhancing the body's immune function. Some evidence links high Vitamin E intake with a decreased incidence of prostate and breast cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.
- Eye health:The antioxidant action of Vitamin E may help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Cataracts are growths on the eye which cloud vision and increase the chance of blindness in aging adults. Lens clarity is better among regular users of Vitamin E supplements, and among persons with higher blood levels of Vitamin E.
- Cognitive health:As a strong antioxidant, Vitamin E prevents free radical damage and improves cognitive performance in healthyindividuals.
Sources
Fortunately, numerous foods provide Vitamin E. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are especially rich sources of alpha-tocopherol, and significant amounts are available in green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals, as well.
The structure function claims made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These dietary supplement products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
