Natural Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for maintaining overall health, well-being, and plays an important role in preventing premature aging and aging-related degenerative disorders.

Vitamin E supports the proper functioning of nerves and muscles by preventing the oxidation of lipids within cell membranes. Its protective qualities are particularly beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and aging of cells.

Vitamin E deficiencies are linked to impaired immune responses, especially in older adults. It’s instrumental in preventing inflammation, supports the health of blood vessels by reducing the oxidation of cholesterol, which can lead to plaque formation, and plays a role in eye health, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Here is a summary of vitamin E's aging-protective qualities:

• Skin health. Helps to moisturize the skin, protect it from UV damage, and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines — all of the signs of premature aging that start to become apparent in the mid to late forties.

• Immune function. Aging is associated with a decline in immune function (immunosenescence). Vitamin E helps to support the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections and inflammatory conditions. This property may help prevent COVID-19-related complications and “long COVID,” a group of health symptoms persisting after an initial infection. Symptoms may last weeks, months, or even years and are often debilitating, so it may be a good idea to prevent this from happening by taking vitamin E in advance of potential infection.

• Neuroprotection. There is some evidence that Vitamin E might have a neuroprotective effect, potentially slowing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

• Eye health. Vitamin E, in combination with other essential supplements, may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a common cause of blindness in older adults.

• Heart health. Evidence suggests that Vitamin E might help prevent or slow the development of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.

Natural vitamin E has eight forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. Tocopherols are the most common forms of vitamin E found in human diets.

• Alpha-tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is the most biologically active form, recognized by the body as the primary form of vitamin E. It is absorbed more efficiently and has the highest antioxidant activity compared to other tocopherols.

• Beta-tocopherol (β-tocopherol) is less biologically active than α-tocopherol but still contributes to overall vitamin E status. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.

• Gamma-tocopherol (γ-tocopherol) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties similar to β-tocopherol. It may also play a role in protecting against certain types of cancer.

• Delta-tocopherol (δ-tocopherol) is the least common form of tocopherol and has the lowest biological activity. However, it still contributes to overall vitamin E status and may have unique health benefits.

I highlight these variations to stress the importance of obtaining a natural vitamin E formula that includes all these forms because most supplements and fortified foods contain only a single form of synthetic vitamin E, such as dl-alpha-tocopherol or d-alpha-tocopherol acetate.

An organic diet isn’t a particularly reliable or effective source of vitamin E because it is found mainly in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds. Sunflower, safflower, and wheat germ oils are top sources of oils. Two other common sources are avocados and kiwis.

High heat, especially frying, destroys vitamin E and increases the toxicity of vegetable oils by forming trans fats. Along with oils, vitamin E degrades when exposed to air and light due to rancidiation. For the same reasons, the vitamin E content in foods decreases even under ideal storage conditions.

Besides the low potency and toxicity of rancid fats, the high caloric content of vegetable fats is an even more insidious problem behind obesity. The high fiber content of seeds and nuts is another concern for maintaining digestive health.

To meet your minimum daily vitamin E needs solely from avocados, you'd need to consume 7 to 8 medium avocados daily, or about 2,576 calories. One medium-sized kiwi contains about 1.1 milligrams of vitamin E. Given that the minimum recommended daily vitamin E intake is around 15 milligrams, you must eat about 14 medium-sized kiwis daily or 588 calories.

Understanding those negatives and considering the high cost and hassle of getting vitamin E from food sources, I’ve been taking natural vitamin E supplements daily since 1996. My face is still free of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of age-related skin damage.

I consider my immunity normal because I haven’t been affected by any disorders related to diminished immunity. I don’t have a single neurological disorder typical for my age. I don’t have cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. My cardiovascular health markers, such as resting heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, are similar to younger adults.

The same goes for neurological disorders typical for my age, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Parkinson's disease, migraines, tinnitus (ear ringing), peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage of the extremities), tremors in hands and arms, dizziness, and vertigo, despite my crazy-high workload and stressful job.

Finally, I don't take a single medication typical for people of my age, and it is a real pleasure to lead a life without a constant fear of getting a heart attack, stroke, or dementia.

How to take

Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it’s best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fats such as butter, fatty fish, liquid cod liver oil, or fatty meats.

Take one capsule daily along with other supplements. Do not use hot beverages to prevent stickiness in the oral cavity and esophagus.

If taking blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin, consult with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions.

Avoid taking Vitamin E supplements together with iron supplements because they may interfere with absorption. Space them by a few hours.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.