VITAMIN E or TOCOPHEROL

Functions
Vitamin E is also a fat-soluble vitamin. It occurs naturally in four types named d-alpha tocopherol, d-beta, d-gamma, and d-delta tocopherol, of which the first is the most active. Vitamin E is also available in synthetic form as dl-alpha tocopherol. This is the one case where there actually is a natural vitamin, and which is to be preferred on all counts. Unfortunately it costs more. The functions of vitamin E are many and deserve a detailed listing:

  • Anti-blood-clotting activity
  • Antioxidant of note preventing peroxidation damage
  • Augmentor of HDL (good) cholesterol
  • Blood vessel dilator and conservator
  • Preventor of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis
  • Promoter of resistance to infection
  • Protector of amino acids, polyunsaturated oils, vitamin A
  • Reducer of muscle oxygen needs

Sources
The best food sources of vitamin E are plant oils, like wheatgerm oil, soybean oil, maize oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, etc.

Uses

  • Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis
  • Cerebral and coronary thrombosis
  • Cystic breast disease
  • Diabetic gangrene and skin ulcers
  • Hemolytic newborn anemia
  • Intermittent claudication (severe pains in calf muscles during walking)
  • Menstruation problems and low fertility
  • Nerve, joint and muscular problems
  • Sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia (localized hereditary anemia)
  • Varicose veins and thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation caused by blood clot)

Deficiency

Children:

  • Irritability
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Water retention
Adults:

  • Apathy
  • Lack of vitality
  • Lethargy
  • Irritability and lack of concentration
  • Muscle weakness
  • Reduced sexual interest

Safety
Generally safe, without reports of toxicity. But lack of toxicity does not mean the absence of side effects. Some persons may experience blurred vision, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and weakness on vitamin E supplements. Others have had allergic skin reactions. Several conditions require caution and professional supervision when taking supplements of vitamin E. These include:

  • Persons with recent heart problems or high blood pressure
  • Persons on anti-clotting drugs like warfarin, etc
  • Simultaneous intake of aspirin
  • Simultaneous iron supplementation (separate by 8 hours)

Women with tumors in the breast, ovaries, cervix, or other hormone-related tumors At the same time, some other conditions may cause vitamin E deficiency. I.e.:

  • Alcoholism
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Fat malabsorption
  • Gastric or intestinal surgery
  • Obstructive jaundice (caused by obstruction of bile flow)
  • Oxygen excess (as when on oxygen bottle or in oxygen tent