Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage (Only damaged LDL leads to heart disease). The vitamin also enhances the immune system.
Studies indicate that the usability of natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl) is about double that of the synthetic source (dl-alpha-tocopheryl).
Natural vitamin E supplements may also contain mixed tocopherols, including alpha, beta, gamma, and delta versions. The non-alpha tocopherols may help neutralize free radicals in the digestive tract.
30 IU. Take mixed tocopherols, if possible.
Vitamin E deficiency is rare, and is usually found in infants and in people who are unable to absorb fat. Deficiency causes neurological problems.
Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, toxicity of vitamin E is very low, probably because it is not stored in the liver. Side effects have been rare, mostly gastrointestinal, with doses over 1200 IU/day. Large doses may worsen blood coagulation disorders in people who are Vitamin K deficient, or in those who are taking anticoagulant drugs.
Vitamin E and selenium work together to protect fat-soluble parts of the body. Vitamin E helps the body use Vitamin K.
TBD or none
Wheat germ oil, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, egg yolks, and leafy green vegetables. Supplementation is recommended, because the high doses required for cell protection are unobtainable from food sources alone.
Vitamin E may reduced the risk of heart disease, some cancers, cataracts, some complications of diabetes, and it may slow the progression of some neurological and other diseases.
In addition, Vitamin E might possibly reduce the muscle damage from strenuous exercise.
Combined with aspirin, Vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding. Certain cholesterol reducing drugs may reduce the blood levels of Vitamin E. People who take anti-epileptic drugs should supplement their Vitamin E. Vitamin E improves blood sugar control in diabetics, so Vitamin E may lessen the need for insulin supplementation. Vitamin E synergizes the effects of statin drugs.
Gokkusu C, Palanduz S, Ademoglu E, Tamer S.
Oxidant and antioxidant systems in niddm patients: influence of vitamin E supplementation.
Endocr Res. 2001 Aug;27(3):377-86.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that vitamin E improved beta-cell function and increased plasma insulin and C-peptide levels, possibly by inducing the antioxidant capacity of the organism and/or reducing the peripheral resistance in NIDDM. Long-term studies are needed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of vitamin E on treatment/prevention of NIDDM