Vitamin E

Vitamin E -is one of the most famous fat-soluble vitamins. It has recently been proven to lower the incidence of heart attacks and strokes by decreasing the clumping of platelets that block arteries that carry blood throughout the body. . Vitamin E is important for muscle development, neurological function and immune system integrity. A deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and hemolytic anemia.

As a powerful antioxidant E is a component of cell membranes and it protects the cell from free radical damage and destruction, thereby protecting against aging, cancer and other degenerative diesease. Vitamin E has been shown to increase cell -mediated immunity in healthy elderly people. Vitamin E has also been shown to prevent heart diesease, slow the progression of Alzheimer and Parkinson?s disease.

Vitamin E protects against prostate cancer. Studies indicate that taking 50mgs day lowers the risk. The proposed mechanisms- It acts as an antioxidant to protect against free radical damage, it boosts the immune system and lets the body better fend for itself, it tames the tendency of cancer cells to grow out of control by lowering the activity of a critical enzyme system.

Higher blood levels of vitamin E are linked to a lower incidence of cataracts. A study funded by the National Eye Institute found that people taking vitamin E supplements cut their risk of cataracts by half.

Vitamin E is one fat-soluble vitamin that appears relatively non toxic. Most studies of the vitamin have used 800IUs with no ill effects. Good food sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils; fish oils, nuts, whole grains, wheat germ, soy, leafy green vegetables and avocados

Natural Vs synthetic. Normally there is no difference in terms of absorption and efficacy. With vitamin E natural far outshines the synthetic. It seems they have the same molecular formula but they differ in their three dimensional structure. To get the most from your supplement look for one that contains natural vitamin E (also called d-alpha tocopherol or the new designation RRR-alpha). If you can?t find natural vitamin E consider taking high amounts of the synthetic to make up for its poorer retention. Aim for about 1/3 to ½ more that you would take of the natural.

Caution: Vitamin E is a blood thinner, therefore, caution is in order if you are taking other over the counter blood thinners such as aspirin, gingko biloba, ginger, garlic, omega three fatty acids or prescription blood thinners like Coumadin. We also recommend that you take no more than the DV of 30IUs if you have problems with blood coagulation, thrombocytopenia, diabetes or rheumatic heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor. Vitamin E may increase risk of stroke.

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N.

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD,, CD/N is registered dietician with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works at Cabrini Medical Center in lower Manhattan,in private practice and the community.Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.