Vitamin e Benefits

Vitamin E, also referred to as Tocopherol is a fat soluble vitamin. It is seen to exist in different forms, namely, alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienol and alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherol, of which alpha tocopherol is the active form in the humans.

Vitamin E benefits the system by its antioxidant functioning. It protects the body by scavenging the free radicals (unstable substances), thereby delaying the process of ageing. It also decreases the susceptibility to degenerative disease, such as cancer, cataract and atherosclerosis and so on.

Vitamin E supplementation, in individuals on blood thinning agents or anticoagulants, such as warfarin, aspirin and heparin, results in increased bleeding.

Benefits of vitamin E also include the production of red blood cells. They aid in the utilisation of vitamin K by the body. They reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, liver disease and heart diseases. A balanced diet helps in providing the necessary quantity. Vitamin E requires the presence of four other nutrients for its effective recycling, namely, glutathione, vitamin B3, vitamin C and selenium.

Wheat germ, olives, nuts, corn, seeds, vegetable oil, asparagus and spinach are good sources of vitamin E. Foods comprising of margarine also contain vitamin E. Usage of whole grain foods decreases the loss of vitamin E. Avoid the exposure of foods to light and store foods in a well closed air tight container, as considerable amount of vitamin E is lost during storage, processing or cooking.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance for infants ranges from 4 to 5 mg per day. Children above 14 years of age require 15 mg per day. Increased intake (400 IU or more) of vitamin E raises the risk of death. About 10 milligrams per day is recommended for adult, nursing and pregnant mothers.

Benefits of vitamin E also include effective communication of the cells, protection of the skin, and protection against Alzheimer's and prostate cancer and prevention of free radical damage. Vitamin E is also referred to as 'lightening rod', as they prevent all kinds of skin damage, by reactive radicals. Topical creams comprising of vitamin E is available in the market. These prevent the skin for UV damage. Vitamin E also decreases the risk of bladder cancer.

Certain conditions, such as, gall bladder problems, digestive and malabsorption syndromes, liver disorders and tingling sensation, calls for increased need for vitamin E in the diet. Deficiency of vitamin E results in malabsorption of nutrients and associated disorders, such as liver disease, gall bladder disease, celiac disease and pancreatic disease.

Also have a look at benefits of vitamin e oil.

Submitted on January 16, 2014