Vitamin E Supplements

An In-depth Look at Vitamin E: Beyond Just a Vitamin

Understanding Vitamin E: Tocopherols and Tocotrienols Explained

Did you know that Vitamin E is, in reality, a collective term used for a family of eight molecules? These eight molecules are split into two groups: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Both tocopherols and tocotrienols are found in nature as either alpha, beta, gamma, or delta. The primary difference between them is that tocopherols are saturated, while tocotrienols are unsaturated, and in turn, each has its distinct biological activity and specific applications inside the body. Despite these differences, all eight derivatives are referred to collectively as "Vitamin E."

This vitamin is found in a variety of foods including oils, meat, eggs, and leafy vegetables. It is fat-soluble, meaning that it is absorbed along with fats in the diet and stored in the body's fatty tissue and the liver. As a supplement, Vitamin E offers robust antioxidant properties, and can be used in a variety of applications, both internal and topical.

Vitamin E supplements stimulate immunity, help fight toxins, pollution, and free radical damage, plus help decrease disease formation. They also supports healthy cholesterol levels, slows the progression of atherosclerosis, and protects cardiovascular health, as well as reduces inflammation, strengthens and repairs capillary walls, improves skin moisture and elasticity, and protects again skin aging. Supplementation is also used to help balance the endocrine and nervous systems to balance hormones and relieve hormone-based symptoms. This nutrient can also be used to treat cataracts and to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Key Health Benefits of Vitamin E Supplementation

• Anti-Aging Properties
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Protects from Free Radical Damage
• Stimulates Immunity

Identifying Who Can Benefit Most from Vitamin E

Health care practitioners will often recommend these supplements to protect from free radical damage, help protect cell DNA integrity, stimulate the immune system, lower cholesterol, and maintain youthful-looking, supple skin. It’s also frequently recommended during pregnancy because this vitamin is crucial for proper neurological and brain development.

Choosing the Right Vitamin E: Potency, Forms, and Delivery Methods

Potency

Vitamin E supplements for oral use are offered in a range of potencies, from 100 IU, all the way up to 1,000 IU. The dose you need will be a function of what you are using the supplement for, but a good general dose for overall health maintenance is generally 400 IU for adults.

Formats

For internal use, Vitamin E supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and liquid forms like oil and topical creams for external use.

Forms

In supplement form, vitamin E can come in a range of forms:

D-Alpha-Tocopherol

D-Alpha Tocopherol is most common form of Vitamin E and is the go-to to treat and prevent deficiencies. When looking for this supplement you may come across both D-Alpha-Tocopherol and DL-Alpha-tocopherol. It’s important to make the distinction - DL is the synthetic form, is less bioavailable, and is only half as potent as D-Alpha-Tocopherol, the preferred choice.

Mixed Tocopherols

Vitamin E supplements typically provide only alpha-tocopherol, but some mixed tocopherol blends also exist, featuring alpha-tocopherol, with the addition of all four forms of tocopherol in roughly equal amounts. Studies suggest that a supplement with Mixed Tocopherols may offer a wider range of benefits than alpha-tocopherol alone.

Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols reportedly have stronger antioxidant properties than alpha-tocopherol. They are also more efficient at penetrating tissues that have saturated fatty layers like the brain and liver. Tocotrienols are considered clinical forms of Vitamin E.

Vitamin E + Selenium

When combined with Selenium, the antioxidant potential of this vitamin multiplies, maximizing the effects on the prevention and management of cellular free radical damage.

Dry E

A dry form of this nutrient features a non-oil-based powder form of Vitamin E which is ideal for individuals who have difficulty digesting fats or oils for any number of reasons, including cholestatic liver disease, short bowel syndrome, etc.

Making an Informed Choice: Ensuring the Best Vitamin E Supplement for Your Needs

Vitamin E supplements can have an effect on blood clotting, so should not be used in combination with medications that also slow clotting, such as Warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin, as this may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. You can also speak to a knowledgeable member of our team or buy your supplements right here at National Nutrition.ca