All you ever wanted to know about Vitamin E

Vitamin E - a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that include tocopherols and tocotrienols. The most common form of vitamin E is,γ-tocopheroland can be found corn oil, soybean oil, and margarine.The most biologically active form is α-tocopherol and is the second-most common form of vitamin E in the diet. Commonly found in wheat germ oil, sunflower, and safflower oils.

Vitamin E -  helps maintain cell structure by protecting cell membranes.

Researchers in Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center,  have identified an elusive anti-cancer property of vitamin E. Working with prostate cancer cell lines they demonstrated that one form of vitamin E inhibits the activation of an enzyme that is essential for cancer cell survival. The loss of the Atk enzyme led to tumour cell death.

Two major systems in the liver control the level of vitamin E in the body and routinely excrete excessive amounts. Unlike some other fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D, it's not possible for toxic levels of vitamin E to accumulate in the liver or other tissues.

Vitamin E helps to optimise health. It protects polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidizing (and may help protect other essential fats in the body) and has been studied for possible help in preventing or treating many degenerative diseases. Smoking has also been shown to deplete vitamin E levels.

Researchers have demonstrated how the antioxidant properties of vitamin E put a damper on the cause of ongoing inflammation in muscles and can help protect against noise-induced and perhaps even age-related hearing loss in humans.

Vitamin E can slow aging and help grow hair. Research has shown that vitamin E can soften the red blood cells, which increases circulation by improving blood flow. Adding nuts to the diet is a great way to get more vitamin E.

Vitamin E for increasing blood flow

Cell membranes become less flexible as we get older which means they struggle to get through small capillaries. The smallest capillaries are usually too small for the red blood cells to pass through without flexing, so when they become stiff, they can't get through at all. This causes a decrease in circulation to the extremities, and into the organs.
A study showed that within five days of adding vitamin E as gamma-tocopherols, the cell lining of the blood vessels improved and also reduced a marker of oxidative stress called or MDA.

Vitamin E increases brain function

People with Alzheimer's disease had lower levers of vitamin E and also showed damage from lack of vitamin E. This was noted by tracing the markers alpha-tocopherylquinone, and 5-nitro-gamma-tocopherol. The research concluded that a low level of vitamin E in the blood was a precursor to Alzheimer's and dementia. This study used only alpha-tocopherol, while noting that using only this form of vitamin E could lead to increased stroke risk. Supplements with only this type of alph-tocopherol may prevent absorption or bioavailability of other forms of the nutrient. The authors of the study suggest a balance of vitamin E forms to protect the nervous system.

Regrow hair with vitamin E

Vitamin E can also help regrow hair. The nutrient stimulates the growth of capillaries on the scalp. Vitamin E cream can be applied to the scalp or taken as supplements in tablet form. To grow hair, it's best to apply topically and take vitamin E internally. Good effects will also be seen on the skin.

Vitamin E helps treat diabetes

Using 1,800 IE of vitamin E per day, diabetic patients showed improvement in both their kidney function and retinal blood flow. The use of vitamin E prevented diabetic neuropathy in those with Type I diabetes. The nutrient has no effect on blood sugar level, making it a good treatment for hyperglycemia.

Food sources of vitamin E

Vitamin E can be found in many foods. Eggs raised naturally are a good source, as are nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, olives, spinach, paprika and red chilli powder.

Globally, cases of liver cancer are on the rise, as the third most common form of cancer takes the lives of millions around the world each year. The liver performs over 300 critical functions from cholesterol and glucose metabolism to clearing dangerous chemical and bacterial invaders before they can wreak cellular havoc. Liver cancer is frequently associated with early mortality and diminished quality of life.

Vitamin E from diet and supplements can provide a significant shield against liver cancer

A research team analysed liver cancer risk by comparing participants who had a high intake of vitamin E with those who had low intake. They found that 267 liver cancer cases were diagnosed over a five to eleven year follow-up period, and determined that vitamin E intake from diet and vitamin E supplement use were both associated with a considerably reduced risk of developing liver cancer.

Researchers at Rutgers University have published the result of a study that demonstrates that vitamin E from dietary sources has a profound effect on cancer development and progression. The scientists have found that two forms of vitamin E, gamma and delta-tocopherols found in soybean, canola and corn oils as well as nuts do prevent colon, lung, breast and prostate cancers.
Researchers examined blood and skin samples from 80 individuals, some healthy and others in poor health. Using high performance liquid chromatography, the scientists were able to measure the degree of vitamin E tocotrienol absorption into different organs after oral supplementation. They found that critical metabolic organ structures including fat tissue, heart, liver and brain selectively concentrated both the alpha and gamma forms of the vitamin.

This is an important finding, as the alpha isomer of vitamin E crosses the blood-brain barrier at levels that have been shown to offer neuroprotective benefits and help prevent the occurrence of stroke. The gamma form provides a protective shield to the heart muscle and can aid liver health by preventing fatty liver disease and liver cancer.

Vitamin E tocotrienols help prevent stroke and extend Cellular life cycle

Scientists have demonstrated that the full spectrum of vitamin E tocotrienols yield a powerful anti-aging effect as the vitamin is shown to extend the length of telomeres while preventing damage to DNA. Telomeres are the tiny zipper-like structures that regulate cellular division and signal the end of a life cycle for each individual cell. Any mechanism that can naturally extend telomere length will slow the aging process and help prevent disease.