The Functions and Types of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a vitamin that is very important for optimum health and vitality. This fat soluble, antioxidant is pulled into cell membranes and protects them from damage from free radicals but that is only one of the functions of vitamin E.

The Functions of Vitamin E

Besides protecting the body from free radicals with its antioxidant activity vitamin E is helpful in preventing disease, promoting healing, and keeping the immune system in top condition. Some of the functions of vitamin E, and conditions it helps with are:

• Alzheimer’s
• Asthma
• Boosts immunity
• Breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Infertility

• Lowers the risk of a reoccurring heart attack in heart patients
• Lowers the risk of respiratory infections
• Menopause symptoms
• Migraine
• Parkinson’s
• Peptic ulcer
• Prevents atherosclerosis
• Prevents heart disease
• Protects against cataracts
• Protects against prostate cancer
• Treats acne when used in conjunction with vitamin A and zinc
• Treats scarring and other skin conditions

There are two types of vitamin E – one is synthetic and one is natural. There are conflicting opinions about these types and many people will choose the synthetic because it is less expensive. This may not be a good idea. A study by Oregon State University showed that the rats that they tested absorbed twice as much of the natural vitamin E as the synthetic meaning that you would have to take twice as much to get the same effect as the natural. You can read more about these different forms in this study by Oregon State University.

Synthetic Vitamin E

Synthetic vitamin E is listed as dl-alpha tocopherol. It is a petroleum by-product that is not easily utilized by your body. While it will look like you are saving money because you are spending less, in reality your body won’t be using it so you will just be throwing away your hard earned cash. Petroleum products work well in cars and other vehicles but in the body? Not so much.

Always read the ingredients in your vitamins. If it says dl-alpha tocopherol or a blend of d and dl-alpha tocopherol then you should stay away from it.

Natural Vitamin E

Natural vitamin E is known as d-alpha tocepherol. It is a form that is easily recognized and absorbed into the human body. It is usually taken in an oil filled capsule which helps your body to absorb more of the vitamin E.

The most effective form of vitamin E has natural tocepherol as well as tocotrienols. It does not ever contain the dl-alpha tocopherols in any amount.

It is best to get your vitamins from the foods you eat, however it is difficult to get them in the amounts your body requires. Vitamin E is found in relatively high levels in the following foods:

• Almonds
• Asparagus
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cayenne pepper
• Chard
• Collard greens
• Corn oil
• Cranberries
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Mustard greens
• Papaya
• Peanuts
• Pistachios
• Raspberries
• Safflower oil
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds
• Tomatoes
• Turnip greens
• Wheat germ

The RDA for vitamin E is 30 IUs a day. This can be difficult to achieve by diet alone unless you are in the habit of drinking a half gallon of corn oil and eating a pound of sunflower seeds on a daily basis. Even then you won’t be getting the amount you may need for a real change in your health. Most nutritionists recommend at least 400 IUs but no more than 1,000 IUs per day of d-alpha tocopherol.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Vitamin E can react with blood thinners so if you are taking blood thinners talk to your doctor about taking vitamin E. He will probably also recommend you stop taking the vitamin three weeks before any scheduled surgery to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

Other drugs can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin E. Some of these are:

• Cholesterol lowering drugs like probucol
• Dilantin and other anticonvulsant drugs

Even taking mineral oil as a laxative can deplete the amount of vitamin E in your body.

You can have too little vitamin E and that can cause problems but taking too much can cause illness as well.

Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

• Celiac
• Digestive problems
• Gall bladder problems
• Liver disease
• Pancreatic disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Poor absorption of nutrients
• Skin problems (acne, dry skin, etc.)

Symptoms of Too Much Vitamin E

Taking more than 3000 IU of this vitamin can have toxic effects. Symptoms of too much vitamin E include the following:

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Double vision
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness

Always Read Labels

No matter whether you buy your vitamin E on the Internet or at your local health food store be sure to read the label every time. Manufacturers can change up the ingredients at any time and you want to make sure you are getting what you pay for.

Choose natural d-alpha tocopherol – although it will cost more the benefits to your body will be increased and longer lasting.

Before you make any changes to your health program, or add vitamins, be sure to talk to your health care provider and follow his advice.

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