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| Proper name |
Alpha tocopherol (there are actually 4 tocopherols; alpha, beta, gamma and
delta, and 4 tocotrienols but alpha tocopherol is by far the most active
molecule in the vitamin E group). |
| Category |
Oil soluble vitamin. |
| Functions |
Antioxidant - Vitamin E insures stability of cellular membranes by preventing
lipid peroxidation (free radical damage to fats). Vitamin E reduces the
risk of exercise induced free radical damage and decreases the incidence
of exercise-induced muscle damage. Supplementation with vitamin E increases
resistance to infection. Cardiovascular - 100 IU per day can reduce the
risk of cardiovascular disease by 40%. Vitamin E protects blood vessels
against forming atherosclerotic plaques, prevents lipid peroxidation of
LDL cholesterol and decreases the stickiness of platelets (anti-clotting
effect). Cancer prevention - Vitamin E lowers the risk for developing various
forms of cancer including; lung, oral, colon, rectal, cervical, pancreatic
and liver cancer. Vision - Protects the eyes against cataracts and macular
degeneration in adults, and retrolental fibroplasia in infants. Doses of
150 to 600 IU per day have been used to alleviate the symptoms of PMS. |
| RDA |
30 International Units (IU) per day |
| Therapeutic
dose |
100 to 1,000 IU per day |
| Deficiency symptoms |
Hemolytic anemia (red blood cells are fragile from the lack of vitamin E
to protect against free radical damage). Intermittent claudication (leg
pain due to poor circulation). Retrolental fibroplasia (blindness caused
by excess oxygen therapy following birth). Dry skin, dry dull hair, psoriasis,
excema and poor wound healing. Fibrocystic breasts, PMS and hot flashes.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy, sterility. Muscle weakness |
| Toxicity |
Vitamin E is an anticoagulant and therefor should be taken with caution
by individuals on anticoagulants or others with bleeding disorders. There
are reports of the following symptoms in persons taking over 1,000 IU per
day: headache, fatigue, nausea, double vision, muscle weakness and gastrointestinal
distress. Best forms Micellized d-alpha tocopherol |
| Best
forms
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D alpha tocopherol |
| Food
sources |
Fresh vegetable oils (cold-pressed and kept in the refrigerator after opening),
wheat germ oil, seeds, nuts, avocados. |
| Lab
tests |
RBC folate, serum folate Neutraphilic Hypersegmentation Index is the most
sensitive test for folate deficiency. |
| Drug
interactions |
Vitmain E is depleted by the following drugs: Cholestyramine Resin, Colestipol,
Isoniazid and Mineral Oil. Nutrient interactions Works synergistically with
selenium as an antioxidant. |
| Nutrient interactions |
Works with B12 to promote cell division. |
| Metabolism |
Vitamin E is absorbed
with other fats via the intestines with the aid of bile. It is stored
in the liver and fatty tissue. Vitamin E does not accumulate in the tissues
despite being fat-soluble because 60% to 70% of the daily dose is excreted
in the feces.
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