Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in a variety of different forms, and is a fat soluble antioxidant, meaning that it can be rapidly absorbed and utilized by the body, and that it can help to combat potentially damaging oxidants, or free radicals, which can attack healthy tissue if left unchecked. Free radical damage has been linked to the onset of some cardiovascular diseases and also of cancer, so it is a good idea to make sure that your diet contains as many antioxidants as possible. Vitamin E, like many other vitamins, also plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. The most common form of vitamin E, and that most often used in supplement formulas, is alpha-tocopheryl acetate.

Vitamin E deficiency often presents with neurological symptoms, as a lack of vitamin E can prevent neurotransmitters from functioning correctly, which in turn impedes the healthy operation of the brain. This is a particular problem for at risk groups, including newborn infants and people who have trouble absorbing fat from their food, since fat is required for the absorption of vitamin E during the digestive process. This also means that patients with existing digestive system illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may be at increased risk of vitamin E deficiency, and should talk to their doctor about the need for supplementation if they have not already done so. In some cases where people are unable to absorb even small levels of vitamin E from their food, high levels of supplementation may be prescribed to prevent more severe side-effects such as depression and blindness.

Sometimes vitamin E preparations are applied topically to treat skin conditions and to promote the healing of wounds and burns. Some people also believe that it can lessen the appearance of scars following surgery, though there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

Another study suggested that supplementing with vitamin E during pregnancy may reduce the risk of a baby being born underweight, though further investigation is needed.

Research is ongoing into the possible use of vitamin E as a preventative measure against heart disease, with studies showing that it may help to keep arteries clear by limiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Additionally, some doctors believe that vitamin E can help to prevent the clumping of blood platelets that can lead to blood clots ad hence heart attacks and strokes. One study found that the rate of heart disease in patients who regularly supplemented their diet with vitamin E as opposed to those who didn’t, could be up to 40% lower. It may be that vitamin E has a particularly beneficial effect on cardiac health when used in conjunction with various other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, selenium and co-enzyme Q10, and varying combinations of these supplements are used to help treat a plethora of cardiovascular illnesses.

Due to its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin E is being aggressively investigated with regard to its possible role in a future cancer treatment. Early indications are that vitamin E may prevent certain carcinogens known as nitrosamines, which are known to cause tumors, from forming in the body. There is also evidence to suggest that increased levels of vitamin E correspond with decreased incidences of breast and prostate cancer, though trials are still ongoing in this regard. As well as in the case of vitamin E being shown to possibly decrease the risk of elderly women developing colon cancer.

As has been mentioned, vitamin E deficiency may lead to certain health problems including the degeneration of a person’s eyesight. Conversely, it is thought that the antioxidant properties of vitamin E may prove useful in preventing the onset of cataracts in some people. Research into this area found that certain lifestyle choices, namely smoking, may negate any potential health benefits of taking vitamin E supplements.

Another common ocular condition, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD for short, is often treated using antioxidants, including vitamin E, which are believed to slow the development of the condition, and current research seems to support this claim. There is also evidence to support the case that vitamin E supplementation may prevent or at least reduce damage to the retina caused by glaucoma. It may be that the positive effects of these antioxidant vitamins are most effective when they are used together, suggesting possible synergistic action in this regard, which is a very common aspect of vitamins and their role in supporting life in all its various forms.

Various studies have also been undertaken into the possible beneficial effects of supplementing with Vitamin E with regard to preventing certain diseases. Of particular note were results from two separate studies which seemed to suggest that people who regularly supplemented their diet with a combination of vitamins, including vitamin E, were at substantially decreased risk of developing either Alzheimer’s of Parkinson’s disease. Further studies are needed before solid conclusions can be drawn, but the indicators so far are very positive that a link can be made in these cases.

Vitamin E has also been found to neutralize the negative effects of cannabis in terms of destroying brain cells. In this case the vitamin E was used in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as other vitamins and antioxidant substances.

Vitamin E appears to confer its most beneficial effects when taken regularly and in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals, and so it is recommended as a daily supplement and as part of a complete multivitamin package.