Vitamin E

Every cell in our body needs vitamin E, but this fat-soluble substance is most necessary for nerve cells, blood cells and skeletal muscle cells.

Without adequate vitamin E, peripheral neuropathy results. Other deficiency symptoms include spinocerebellar ataxia, skeletal myopathy, and pigmented retinopathy; premature infants are prone to anemia due to vitamin E deficiency.

Research suggests that certain amounts of this antioxidant may reduce risks of cataracts and some cancers and help people with diabetes.

Vitamin E may also help prevent heart attacks. However, these studies are on-going.

Vitamin E fights free radicals -- unstable forms of oxygen -- thereby heading off oxidative damage, or oxidative stress, to cells. As a cellular "bodyguard," vitamin E protects cellular membranes and other fatty cellular components by donating electrons to free radicals.

Free radicals are produced in the body as a result of everyday metabolism, and in response to exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays), cigarette smoke and air pollution.

Vitamin E's antioxidant powers protect cell membranes, essential for red blood cells, aids cellular respiration and protects lung tissue from pollution.

After "taking a hit," vitamin E is regenerated to continue protecting cells. It appears that vitamin E works synergistically with other antioxidant vitamins, including glutathione and vitamin C; these substances regenerate vitamin E to its active state after vitamin E has reacted with, and neutralized free radicals.

Increasingly, scientific evidence suggests high intakes of vitamin E may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

For example, vitamin E inhibits low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, preventing conversion of LDLs to a stickier form that promotes heart disease. According to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a large body of animal studies supports the antioxidant hypothesis of atherosclerosis.

Vitamin E Can Help

  • Diabetes. Oxidative stress may be linked to the development of complications of diabetes. Vitamin E might play a role in warding off the stress caused by elevated blood glucose levels.
  • Cancer. In theory, vitamin E may head off cancer by squelching free radical damage to DNA.
  • Compromised Immunity: Vitamin E may boost seniors' immune systems.
  • Cataract. In animal studies, vitamin E, and other antioxidant vitamins protect against lens damage that leads to cataract formation.
  • Alzheimer's Disease: Large doses of supplemental vitamin E show promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, which may have an oxidative stress component.
  • Aging: By limiting oxidative stress, vitamin E may slow the aging process.

Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E-400  Doctor Approved. Powerful antioxidant to help fight free radicals and slow the aging process. Made from 100 percent natural sources.

Vitamin E-1000 Increased vitamin E reduces risk of type 2 diabetes. All Natural Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol), 1000 iu.

  • Perfect E  Doctor Approved. Contains eight Vitamin E compounds, 40 mg of tocotrienols and 400 mg of gamma tocopherol. Has the highest Vitamin E potency of any tocotrienol product. The highest quality and most potent vitamin E available on the market.

    • Other Uses for Vitamin E

    Vitamin-E Hair Care Vitamin E Shampoo Vitamin A, C, and E Shampoo builds body and improves shine with a shampoo formulated with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and herbs. Dry or damaged hair is pampered and improved without stripping precious moisture away. Natural vitamins and botanicals deeply penetrate the hair shaft to reduce split ends, increase manageability and promote healthier and shinier hair. Vitamin E Shampoo will make your hair healthier and ready for styling. Safe for use on color treated hair.

    Vitamin E Conditioner Vitamin A, C, and E Conditioner nourishes dry or damaged hair with vitamins, amino acids and botanicals leaving hair manageable and easier to style.

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