Vitamin E is one of the most popular supplements; and for good reason–it is an amazing supplement. I have been so convinced of the importance of vitamin E that I’ve been taking it for over 30 years. Vitamin E is an indispensable member of the body’s antioxidant system.
But that’s not all. Vitamin E has other functions, some completely unrelated to its role as an antioxidant. In addition to its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin E:
- Promotes heart health.
- Promotes respiratory health.
- Helps with normal PMS symptoms.
- Supports circulation.
- Supports prostate and breast health.
- Is good for your brain.
- May help hot flashes in menopausal women.
Discovered in 1922, it is only in the last decade that the public began to be educated about the critical fact that vitamin E is not a single compound, but rather a general name for a whole family of compounds.
Research is beginning to focus on specific tocopherols, rather than on just “vitamin E.” Look for a blend of natural source tocopherols providing the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E. Vitamin E should contain d-alpha tocopherol, with the benefits of beta, delta, and substantial gamma tocopherols.
Getting to know all the compounds in the vitamin E family of tocopherols is necessary to choose the right vitamin E product and get the full benefits of this superior antioxidant and nutrient.
Important Facts You Should Know About Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential to life–we cannot live without it.
How much vitamin E is enough? Prominent researchers believe that to perform at its best, the body needs more than the US Daily Value (DV) of 30 IU vitamin E daily and the average American diet supplies considerably less than this amount. According to renowned international researcher Dr. Evan Shute, a physician recognized for his over 30 years of work with vitamin E, average healthy females should have 400 IU a day, and average healthy males 600 IU a day.
Vitamin E should be taken at mealtime–it is absorbed better when taken with meals rather than an on an empty stomach.
Inorganic Iron can DESTROY vitamin E. According to the Shute Institute, the two should be separated in the stomach by an 8-9 hour interval. However, organic iron, found in spinach, and other iron rich foods can be taken at the same time as vitamin E.
*This article was reprinted with permission from www.mercola.com.
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