Vitamin E: A Wonder Drug?
Vitamin E: A Wonder Drug?
Vitamin E is a family of eight related molecules known as tocopherols.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form and therefore the
most useful to the human body. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant,
which protects the body against chronic diseases.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. This not only means that our bodies
store the vitamin in our fat reserves. It also means that our bodies are
only able to break down the vitamin’s potency and nutrients in fat, not in
water. This explains why unlike Vitamin C, Vitamin E is more stable in
composition and does not evaporate just as easily when the food that
contains it is cooked.
Experts concur that 1,000 milligrams should be the upper limit for daily
intake. Meanwhile , the U.S. RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for
Vitamin E is set at 8-10 milligrams per day (or about 15 IUs). Most
Americans get close to this amount in their diets.
In Search of Vitamin E
Voted the best source for Vitamin E is the oil family—wheat germ,
safflower, sunflower, corn, and soy oils. The nuts family is a close
second. Turnip and dandelion greens, as well as broccoli, are third;
while mangoes, egg yolks, spinach, and whole grains are fourth.
Vitamin E Deficiencies
Vitamin E deficiencies are rare. They occur mostly in premature babies,
people who cannot absorb dietary fats, and people with rare fat
metabolism disorders. Why? Again, because the vitamin is only able to
spread its values in fat centers of the human body—the so-called oil
wells. The main symptoms of a Vitamin E deficiency are neurological
problems, or nerve-related disorders.