All about Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that that body stores in the liver, and fat tissue. Most of our dietary intake comes from fatty foods, such as nuts and oils, which are high in this nutrient. Therefore, for those trying to maintain a low-fat, low-calorie diet, supplementing may be your best choice to obtain enough of this crucial nutrient.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical substances that can cause cellular damage if left unchecked, leading to premature aging and disease.

The major benefits attributed to vitamin E include its possible roles in the protection against heart disease, some types of cancers, boosting the immune system, and as an aid in the healing of injuries.

Vitamin E can protect the heart in two ways: first, as a blood thinning agent (thick, sludgy blood has difficulty flowing through arteries, and can lead to heart attacks); two, reducing the undesirable effects of LDL (bad cholesterol), by preventing the buildup of deposits in the arterial wall that can lead to blockages.

Because it protects cellular material due to its antioxidant nature, some experts believe this nutrient can fight cancer, and, indeed may even slow aging itself.

It is often taken in conjunction with vitamin C to facilitate the healing of skin wounds, and also to combat against environmental pollutants, including cigarette smoke. Moreover, this nutrient has the ability to chelate (pull out) toxic heavy metals in the body, such as mercury. Mercury is now present to varying degrees in almost all fish, so if it is part of your diet, including this supplement might be worth considering.

Lastly, some studies have shown it can boost the immune system in elderly people, thus affording protection against illnesses.

Because vitamin E acts as a blood thinner, those people already taking a similar agent, such as aspirin, or prescription anticoagulants, should consult with a physician before beginning supplementation.

The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 8 mgs per day for women and 10 mgs for men. Higher doses are often taken for therapeutic benefits. There are no known toxic side effects with this nutrient as there are with some other fat-soluble vitamins taken in high doses, such as vitamin A.

1. Vitamin E comes in four different forms: alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is the most effective form, as it is the best absorbed.

2. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C, and also enhances the absorption of the mineral selenium. Therefore, taking a comprehensive formula that contains vitamin E (and these other nutrients) is more preferable than taking it as a stand-alone supplement.

3. Dietary supplements in the U.S. are largely unregulated and both private and government parties have determined consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that actually contains the amount of ingredients stated on the label. Therefore, only purchase from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which adhere to the most exacting manufacturing standards.

This way, you can be sure you are getting the amount of vitamin E you paid for, and that you don’t end up with contaminated ingredients, which, unfortunately, is altogether too common.

Why not buy the best? Your health depends on it.

One company that produces a product that meets the above requirements -- and more -- is Xtend-Life from New Zealand, which has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards. Their flagship Formula, Total Balance, contains vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol, and also includes vitamin C, and selenium, in addition to a full spectrum of herbal extracts, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and speciality nutrients. In fact, it contains the majority of supplements we cover on this entire site!

We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Articles have been taking Total Balance for the last year with excellent results.