The name of vitamin E is defined as a group of substances that are varieties of tocopherol. The most important of them are: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta – tocopherol, the alpha tocopherol being the strongest. Vitamin E is a vitamin dissolved in fats, so it can be stored in the body for a long time, especially in the liver and adipose tissue.
Vitamin E protects unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes. Enhances immune response, stimulates CD57 white blood cells, slows down degenerative processes and regulates platelet aggregation.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which is why it protects cells against free radicals. It also participates in the protection of erythrocytes, gene expression and the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body. It participates in the acquisition of selenium and vitamin K by the body and protects collagen and elastin from degradation. Vitamin E enhances the effect of vitamin C and selenium in cartilage tissue.High fat levels in the brain and nervous system cells cause quite high sensitivity of these cells to vitamin E deficiencies. Therefore, supplementation with vitamin E is recommended in such neurodegenerative diseases as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer and also in people suffering from neuroborreliosis. Vitamin E due to its properties has also been used in such problems as male infertility, eye diseases (cataracts, macular degeneration), cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular disorders, skin diseases, disorders of the nervous system, arthritis, diabetes, wounds difficult to heal, muscle spasms, pre-menstrual tension, menopausal symptoms or digestive ulcers.
Symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency:
Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are as follows:
- fatigue,
- anemia,
- neurological disorders, damage to the nervous system,
- keratosis and worse wound healing,
- problems with teeth and bones,
- susceptibility to infection,
- pain and muscle atrophy.
Symptoms of excess amount of Vitamin E:
Excess vitamin E is metabolized and excreted from the body. Only long-term use of doses above 1000 mg/day may cause muscle weakness, headache, fatigue, intestinal disorders and visual disturbances.
Sources of Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is found in sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, almonds, hazelnuts, cereal seeds and sprouts. In addition, vitamin E also occurs, among others in nuts, poultry, green leafy vegetables, algae (spirulina and chlorella), wild rose or maize.
Supplementation with Vitamin E:
Supplements which contain Vitamin E:
Vitamin E 400IU Mixed Tocopherols – 100 capsules (Swanson)– product available here
Vitamin E Natural 400IU 100 capsules (Swanson) – – product available here
Contraindications:
People taking oral anticoagulants or estrogens should be careful when taking preparations with vitamin E.