Benefits of Vitamin E

Alpha-Tocopherol: One Form of Vitamin E

Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin, plays a very important part in keeping the human body healthy. Made up of eight antioxidants only one, known as alpha-tocopherol, is maintained in the body in an active form. Due to this, it is this form of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, that is found in the body’s tissues and blood in the highest quantities. It is also a strong biological antioxidant. This is the form of vitamin E that scientists have learned most about in their research.

As scientists and researchers continue to study the other seven forms of vitamin E, three tocopherols and four tocotrienols, it is hoped that conclusive results will prove the benefits of vitamin E in many areas that are not yet solidly proven.

The Benefits of Vitamin E

Vitamin E provides many benefits that keep the body functioning in a healthy manner.

• Antioxidant
• Strengthens the immune system
• Helps process vitamin K in the body
• Improves the circulatory system
• Helps produce red blood cells
• Promotes normal blood clotting
• Helps ease respiratory problems
• Repairs tissue damage
• Prevents some of the damage caused by diabetes - especially to the eyes
• Decreases premenstrual syndrome symptoms
• May prevent or slow the progress of cardiovascular disease
• May help to prevent stroke
• May prevent or slow the progress of certain types of cancers
• May help in the treatment of the elderly for certain chronic conditions including:
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Macular degeneration
  • Prostate enlargement

Vitamin E: An Antioxidant Against Free Radicals

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the body’s cells from free radicals. Free radicals are formed in the body as a result of the metabolism of energy. As we age, the damage done by free radicals accumulates in our bodies causing cell damage. As an antioxidant, vitamin E neutralizes the damaging effects of the free radicals and limits their production.

Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

Free radicals are believed to be a contributing factor to the possible development of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Research is being conducted to determine the beneficial effects of vitamin E in defending the body against these diseases. It is believed that vitamin E may significantly slow down, or stop, the formation of plaque that clog the arteries by limiting the process of LDL oxidation. LDL, also known as the bad cholesterol, promotes the build up of plaque leading to heart attacks and atherosclerosis.

It is believed that certain types of cancer may be caused by the damage of free radicals to DNA. This oxidative damage may be slowed by antioxidants. It is also believed that vitamin E may stop nitrates in the stomach, which are consumed in the diet, from forming into nitrosamines, which are carcinogens. Medical research is being conducted in these fields. Studies are also being conducted regarding vitamin E and breast cancer.

Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s Disease

Research studies have shown that vitamin E may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Other scientists believe that this powerful antioxidant may slow the progression of this debilitating illness. Research in these areas is continuing as scientists keep learning about the many benefits of antioxidants on the body.

Vitamin E and Diabetes

It is believed that vitamin E may improve sugar control and aid in the prevention of certain complications of diabetes. These complications include the kidneys, eyes and nervous system. A recent study showed that increased vitamin E intake did not slow the development of cataracts in diabetic patients. However, there is some evidence that vitamin E may be beneficial to some diabetics but further studies are necessary for conclusive proof.

Conclusion

As researchers continue to study and understand the benefits of vitamin E and how the antioxidant compounds work in the human body, they will find conclusive proof of the role of this vital nutrient.