Also Known as:   D-Alpha Tocopheryl

Vitamin E Facts
Vitamin E has four major forms: alpha tocopheryl, beta, delta and gamma. Vitamin E (d-alpha Tocopheryl) is the most common and potent form. It's sometimes touted as the "sex vitamin" and its chemical name tocopheryl is derived from the Greek words meaning "to bring forth in childbirth." Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. It is a potent antioxidant that helps defend against lipid peroxidation by protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cell membranes from free radicals. Vitamin E's potency is enhanced when combined with the mineral selenium. The Vitamin E stored in lung cell membranes provides a barrier from harmful effects of air pollutants. This important antioxidant vitamin protects against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

How Vitamin E Works
Vitamin E protects cell membranes. It protects unsaturated fatty acids from attack by oxygen and oxidation, to combat the spread of free radicals. It is not destroyed by these antioxidant processes (like Vitamin C) and functions repeatedly. Vitamin E creates a barrier against air pollutants and defends against cell damage. It's antioxidant protection may help prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots. Vitamin E improves immune function and slows the aging process.

Possible Benefits

• Cancer, heart disease, and stroke prevention
• May prevent cataracts
• Works as natural blood thinner and may prevent blood clots
• May help people with diabetes better use insulin
• Enhances immunity
• Protects against cigarette smoke and air pollution
• Assists in healing of the skin
• Enhances the activity of selenium and Vitamin A
• Decreases bad cholesterol
• Protects against muscle damage due to oxidation
• May relieve osteoarthritis symptoms

Usage Guidelines
The RDA for Vitamin E is 15-30 IU. Most experts recommend between 400 - 800 IU. No toxic effects from large doses of Vitamin E are known, although minor side effects of headache and diarhhea may occur. Doses over 1000 IU for longer than one year can produce excessive bleeding, impair healing of wounds, and cause depression is some people. Due to its blood-thinning effects, people on anticoagulants or aspirin should consult their doctor before taking. A deficiency in Vitamin E (most often found in people who can't absorb fat or premature infants) can cause neurological damage, shortened life of red blood cells, and could cause a disease such as cystic fibrosis. Additional problems include muscle degeneration, some anemias, and productive disorders.

Some Natural sources
Vegetable oil, mayonnaise, margarine, salad dressing, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, cashews, sweet potato, collard greens, asparagus, spinach, soybeans, eggs, leafy greens, wheat germ, whole wheat bread, white bread, crab, shrimp, and fish