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When some evidence suggested that taking vitamin E supplements helped protect you from developing heart disease and Alzheimer’s, these supplements became very popular. Because vitamin E helps thin the blood and also keeps cholesterol in the blood from sticking together to form plaque, it was thought that it could help prevent heart disease. Some studies have shown some promise in this area, though only among already healthy people. It doesn’t seem to have any threat reducing effect on those who already have heart disease. While vitamin E is necessary to the body, many studies on effects such as reducing the risk of everything from cancer to cataracts have been inconclusive at best and contradictory at worst. The only thing the experts all seem to agree on, is that vitamin E should be included in a healthy diet.
Vitamin E is actually a group of substances, but the main form of vitamin E that is used by the body is alpha-tocopherol, and this is the only form of vitamin E for which there is a USDA recommended daily allowance (RDA). Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, which can slow damage to the body from free radicals produced by the aging process and environmental pollutants. It protects vitamin A stores in the body along with fatty acids. It also assists the immune system and metabolic processes.
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin found in highest amounts in nuts and oils. It can be found in smaller amounts in spinach, broccoli, mango, and kiwi. Along with many other vitamins, vitamin E can also be found in most fortified breakfast cereals. While many people don’t get enough of most vitamins in their diet, studies have shown that most people get 90-100% of the RDA for vitamin E. Vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare, though some people who try to exclude fats completely from their diet could suffer a deficiency. In addition, as is true with some other vitamins, people who have metabolic disorders that prevent their bodies from absorbing fat may require vitamin E supplements to avoid deficiency. There is also an inherited disease called ataxia and vitamin E deficiency. Without treatment with vitamin E supplements, people suffering from this disease are unable to walk. Very low birth weight babies are also susceptible to vitamin E deficiency, which is characterized by muscle weakness and involuntary eye movements, along with other symptoms.
Linda Polansky writes about Vitamin E, Best health vitamins. |
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