Vitamin E
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant which protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body. Studies suggest that supplementing with Vitamin E helps to prevent heart disease.
Vitamin E appears to be the most effective supplement for slowing the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. In a two-year double-blind study, those patients given a 2000 IU dose of Vitamin E daily were able to perform regular daily tasks for a longer time.
Antioxidants, as a class, are an excellent method of dealing with buildup of LDL ("bad cholesterol") in the system. Vitamin E has been shown to prevent heart disease, and to prevent LDL from causing further damage.
Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are an important part of the body's defense against muscle damage from exercise. Strenuous exercise increases the body's production of free radicals, which, in turn, can cause muscle damage which manifests as swollen or painful muscles. While exercise increases the body's natural defense against free radicals, athletes who are doing intense training may benefit from the addition of antioxidant supplements to their diets.
Cataracts are extremely common, and happen with most people as they age. A diet rich in antioxidants (Vitamin E and Vitamin C especially) may help prevent or delay the formation of cataracts, as oxidative damage appears to be a cause of their development.
Low Vitamin E is also found in many diabetics. Taking a supplement appears to improve glucose tolerance in both diabetics and non-diabetics. A dose of approximately 900 IU daily, taken for at least three months, is generally needed before any benefits are seen. Vitamin E also may be effective in reducing glycosylation.
- Vitamin E can also help relieve and shrink fibrocystic breast lumps.
- Vitamin E supplements have also been shown to help ease much of the pain of Fibromylagia.
- Vitamin E may also be effective in relieving menorrhagia. However, it has only been studied as a treatment for menorrhagia caused by IUD birth control devices.
In test tubes, Vitamin E appears to improve the effectiveness of the HIV-inhibiting drug AZT.
Vitamin E deficiency leads to infertility in animals. Taken in a dose of 100 to 200 IU daily, it has been shown to increase fertility in humans.
Since oxidative damage of the eye can cause macular degeneration, taking antioxidants may lower the disease's occurrence. People with high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium appear to have a 70% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
Vitamin E appears to be helpful in the reduction of menopause symptoms. A dose of up to 1000 IU daily over the course of three months is suggested to see if supplementation will have any effect.
- Antioxidants may slow the rate of joint deterioration in osteoarthritis patients. Vitamin E in particular has been shown to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- Regular Vitamin E supplements can help ease PMS symptoms, especially those relating to breast tenderness.
- Vitamin E has been shown to help improve the effects of retinopathy.
- When joints become inflamed, they often suffer a depletion of Vitamin E. Supplementation with this vitamin may help ease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Natural sources for Vitamin E:
Egg Yolks, Leafy Green Vegetables, Nuts, seeds, Vegetable Oils, Wheat Germ Oil, Whole Grains.
Vitamin E is useful in treating:
Alzheimer's Disease, atherosclerosis, Athletics and Sports, cataracts, diabetes, Fibrocystic Breast Condition, Fibromylagia, Heavy Menstruation, hepatitis, HIV Support, Female Infertility, Male Infertility, macular degeneration, menopause, osteoarthritis, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis.
Recommended dosage for Vitamin E:
400 to 800 IU daily.
Important Vitamin E Note:
High supplementation should not be taken by women who are pregnant.
Copyright © 2003 Vitamin World. All rights reserved. Disclaimer. sales, deals and coupons at eddie bauer coupons. bargain savings for eddie bauer.
