Vitamin E - Benefits of Vitamin E - Facts about Vitamin E - Natural Vitamin E
Why do we need vitamin E Supplements?
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is an antioxidant vitamin involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. The term vitamin e describes a family of eight antioxidants,
four tocopherols, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-, and four tocotrienols
(also alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-). Alpha-tocopherol is the only
form of vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and is
therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the
blood and tissue.
The main function of alpha-tocopherol in humans appears to be that of an antioxidant. Free radicals are formed primarily in the body during normal metabolism and also upon exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or pollutants. Fats, which are an integral part of all cell membranes, are vulnerable to destruction through oxidation by free radicals. The fat-soluble vitamin, alpha-tocopherol, is uniquely suited to intercepting free radicals and preventing a chain reaction of lipid destruction. Aside from maintaining the integrity of cell membranes throughout the body, alpha-tocopherol also protects the fats in low density lipoproteins (LDLs) from oxidation. Lipoproteins are particles composed of lipids and proteins, which are able to transport fats through the blood stream. LDL transport cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. Oxidized LDLs have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases. When a molecule of alpha-tocopherol neutralizes a free radical, it is altered in such a way that its antioxidant capacity is lost. However, other antioxidants, such as vitamin c, are capable of regenerating the antioxidant capacity of alpha-tocopherol, so it is a good idea to take a multivitamin or Vitamin C along with your Vitamin E Supplement: American Health, Natrol's or Nature's Way.
Foods Containing Vitamin E - What is a good source of vitamin E?
A good food source of vitamin E contains a substantial amount of vitamin E in relation to its calorie content and contributes at least 10 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E in a selected serving size. The U.S. RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligrams alpha-tocopherol equivalents per day for both men and women ages 19 and older. Alpha-tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that is easily converted by the body to vitamin E. The U.S. RDA is changed for pregnant or lactating women—consult your healthcare provider.
Do we get enough vitamin E?
According to recent surveys of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the intake of vitamin E by women 19–50 years of age averages less than 90 percent of the RDA. Americans consume roughly 7–9 milligrams compared to the recommended 15 milligrams. Generally Americans consume two-thirds of their vitamin E intake from salad oils, shortenings, and margarines. Eleven percent is from fruits and vegetables and the other 7 percent is from grains and grain products. To boost your intake of Vitamin E: Schiff Bio Foods, Twinlab or Nutricology.
