AllNutritionals.com
Free Nutritional Health Information and Tools

VITAMINS: Vitamin E

Overview of Vitamins | Vitamin A (and Beta Carotene) | Biotin (Vitamin H) | Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) | Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) | Vitamin B-3 (Niacin or Nicotinic Acid) | Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) | Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) | Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) | Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | Vitamin D | Vitamin E | Folate (Folic Acid) | Inositol | Choline

PreviousNext

Vitamin E

Functions of Vitamin E

  • Is a major anti-oxidant nutrient.
  • Retards cellular aging due to oxidation.
  • Supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to the heart and other organs; thus alleviating fatigue.
  • Aids in bringing nourishment to cells.
  • Strengthens the capillary walls & prevents the red blood cells from destructive poisons.
  • Prevents & dissolves blood clots.
  • Has been used by doctors in helping prevent sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits in blood walls and heart conditions.

What is the difference between d-alpha and dl-alpha?

Both work the same in the body. There is some evidence that d-alpha is about 20% more powerful, but it costs about 400% more. In other words 800 I.U. of d-alpha would work as well as 1000 I.U. of dl-alpha. But, the 800 I.U. d-alpha would cost 4 times as much as 1000 I.U. of dl-alpha. The best buy by far is dl-alpha.

Deficiency of Vitamin E

  • Rupture of red blood cells.
  • Loss of reproductive powers.
  • Lack of sexual vitality.
  • Abnormal fat deposits in muscles.
  • Degenerative changes in the heart and other muscles.
  • Dry skin.

People with an increased risk of Vitamin E deficiency

  • City dwellers or anyone subject to smog.
  • Night workers or anyone whose clothing, environment or lifestyle keeps them out of the sunlight.

Recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin E

See Recommended dietary allowances for vitamins.

Food sources of Vitamin E

Vegetables and seed oils including soybean, safflower, and corn; sunflower seeds; nuts; whole grains; and wheat germ are the main sources of the tocopherols. Leafy vegetables also supply an appreciable amount of this nutrient. However, animal products and most fruits and vegetables are generally poor sources.

Toxicity of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is relatively safe compared to the other fat-soluble vitamins. Few side effects from high intakes of this vitamin have been reported, even at doses as high as 3200 mg daily. However, high vitamin E supplementation may be contraindicated when a coagulation defect is present due to vitamin K deficiency or in individuals receiving anticoagulant drugs.

References