Natural Vitamin E

d-alpha tocopheryl succinate

Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant present in human tissues. It is found in the lipid-rich areas of cells such as in cell membranes and the brain. It is at these sites where it acts to stabilise and protect against oxidative damage caused by free radicals, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Vitamin E plays an important role in the health and integrity of the lipid-rich nerve cells. Vitamin E also supports immune function through its effects upon the thymus gland, and particularly during times of oxidative stress and chronic viral illnesses.

NERVE HEALTH - Vitamin E plays a central role in maintaining neurological structure and function. Research has demonstrated a preference for natural source vitamin E by various body tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, compared to synthetic vitamin E. Studies on Tardive Dyskinesia (a neurological disorder) patients have shown significant results using up to 1200 IU vitamin E for one month.
BRAIN FUNCTION - A number of studies have shown a protective role for vitamin E in various neurological disorders and diseases, including tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. Recently, a team of researchers reviewed 380 studies on Alzheimer's disease and their final recommendations for clinical treatment were approved by the American Academy of Neurology and the Alzheimer's Association. Supplementation with large doses of vitamin E (1,000 IU twice daily) was one of the key therapeutic guidelines set.
CARDIOVASCUALR PROTECTION - Vitamin E provides significant benefit in protecting against heart disease and stroke. The Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study showed in 2000 subjects with existing heart disease, that after 510 days on either 400 or 800 IU/day of vitamin E experienced a significant 47% reduction in cardiovascular disease death. Some of the protective effects of vitamin E are due to its ability to modulate nitric oxide (NO) reactions.
MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS - Early research from the 1940s demonstrated the effectiveness of vitamin E in relieving hot flushes, and other symptoms. Many nutritionists utilise 800 IU/day in treatment programmes.
SKIN HEALTH - The epidermis, which is the first line of defence against free radicals, contains a variety of antioxidants including the fat-soluble vitamin E and carotenoids, and the water-soluble vitamin C and glutathione. Research to date suggests that vitamin E is beneficial in reducing UV damage, effects of ozone, reducing UV-induced skin cancer, accelerating wound healing e.g. leg ulcers, and helping reduce facial wrinkles.

Dosage

400-800 IU/day for general and therapeutic purposes. Much greater amounts are utilised in certain conditions. Up to 3,200 IU daily for several years has been used without toxicity problems.

Potential applications

Neurological disorders e.g. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, tardive dyskinesia, cognitive impairment etc. diabetes, neuro-muscular degeneration, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, fibrocystic breast disease, wound healing, sun-protection, cancer, menopause.

Known contraindications

Vitamin E may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin and Warfarin. Although synergistic with Aspirin, vitamin E may also increase the inhibition of platelet aggregation caused by aspirin. Vitamin E has very low toxicity.

Interactions

Vitamin E interacts extensively with other antioxidant nutrients, especially vitamin C and selenium. Vitamin E also improves the use of vitamin A, may assist in converting B12 to its most active form, and protects EFAs from lipid peroxidation.

Use in conjunction with

Vascular protection - grape seed/pycnogenol, EFAs, antioxidant complex, hawthorn berry, CoQ10, folic acid/DHA, bilberry/eyebright, ester C
Brain / nerve protection - grape seed/pycnogenol, EFAs, antioxidant complex, ginkgo biloba, B complex

Note

Natural forms of vitamin E bound to krebs cycle intermediates such as acetates or succinates are more advantageous as they are more stable and highly bio-available. Look for d-alpha tocopheryl succinate as this is a natural form. The prefix dl- indlicates a synthetic vitamin E. Interestingly, aspirin and vitamin E appear to work synergistically against the risk of cardiovascular disease.

References

Michael Murray. 1996. The Encyclopaedia of Nutritional Supplements. P. 44-53
B. Bowman, R. Russell. 2001. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. P.156-163 Veris Research Summary. Dec. 2001. The Role of Antioxidants in Care and Protection of the SkinVeris Research Summary. July 2001. The Neurological Role of Vitamin E.

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