Vitamin E consists of two main groups: Tocopherols and tocotrienols that each have 4 versions - alpha, beta, gamma, and delta - together, therefore, there are 8 kinds of vitamin E.
Natural vitamin E has the prefix "d" - e.g. d-alpha tocopherol. Products with synthetic vitamin E with a more reduced effect all have the prefix "dl" - e.g. dl-alpha tocopherol. Therefore, avoid dl forms.
D-alpha-tocopherol has been the most used is dietary supplements, but more and more indicates that the other type of natural vitamin E have a large positive effect on our health. By using a combination of many natural forms of vitamin E, possible imbalances between them are avoided. For example, alpha-tocopherol is believed to inhibit gamma-tocopherol.
Studies have shown that d-gamma-tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol are especially well suited for maintaining cardiac health.
Water soluble vitamin E
Tocopherol succinate is vitamin E bound to succinic acid. This form also functions in the body's water phase which makes it a quick and efficient form of vitamin E. Tocopherol succinate is widely used in the treatment of cancer.
Therapeutic effects
- Improves circulation. It is an important factor in repairing damages to body tissue, and it is good for alleviating menstrual discomfort.
- Strengthens the blood's ability to coagulate and thus induces wound healing.
- Can lower blood pressure in the long run, and the antioxidant effect of the vitamin may prevent cataract.
- Is important to athletes because its antioxidant effect relieves cramps and muscle injuries.
- Anti-aging. The body needs sufficient amounts of zinc to maintain the level of vitamin E in the blood.
- Good for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
- Reduces the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the body. CRP is a substance that is present in high amounts in diseases such as infections, inflammations, and cancer.
- Improves the function of insulin.
Natural sources of vitamin E include cold pressed vegetable oil, whole grain, dark vegetables, avocado, nuts, seeds, eggs, liver and other organs, and milk.
Therapeutic dosage
400 - 800 I.U. daily.
Conversion
- 1 I.U. = 0.67 mg d-a-tocopherol
- 400 I.U. = 268 mg d-a-tocopherol
- 1 mg d-a-tocopherol = 1.49 I.U.
Please note
- Only use natural vitamin E.
- Do not take single doses of vitamin E; take it together with other vitamins and minerals and always together with selenium and vitamin C.
- Vitamin E is particularly beneficial if taken together with co-enzyme Q10.
- Do not take iron supplements together with vitamin E. If you need to take iron supplements, take the vitamin E in the morning and the iron supplement in the evening.
- Diabetics, people with cardiac problems, or people who suffer from thyroid diseases should not take large doses of vitamin E without consulting their doctor.
Recommendation
People with hypertension should start with small doses and step up slowly. Follow the advice of an orthomolecular practitioner with expertise in cardiovascular disease.
Link:
http://www.vitaminefacts.org/
