Knowing Vitamin E Better
September 30, 2009
Vitamin E is better known as the “beauty” vitamin. This fat soluble vitamin is available in nature in the form of d-alpha tocopherol, d-beta tocopherol, d-delta tocopherol and d-gamma tocopherol.
All these natural forms of vitamin E are available through food. Yet, daily supplementation may become important for those who do not consume balanced meals or those who can not absorb the vitamin through food.
Role in Body
The vitamin acts as strong antioxidant along with selenium and fights free radicals produced in the body and those absorbed through surroundings. It reduces oxygen need of the muscles and hence reducing work load of the heart.
It protects vitamin A from getting depleting from the body. Likewise, it protects polysaturated oils and several amino acids. It boosts the production of HDL, the safe cholesterol. It improves immunity of the body by increasing functioning of WBCs to fight infections.
It also prevents occurrence of thromoplebitis and thrombosis. Additionally, it acts as blood vessel dilator and acts as an anti-blood clotting agent; helps in diabetic gangrene.
Topical applications prepared with vitamin E as the base are very effective in treating sunburn, scalds, scar tissue and stretch marks.
It is used therapeutically to treat menstrual problems, especially PMS. It is significantly helpful in treating sickle-cell anemia, cystic breast disease, skin ulcers, low fertility, arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
Dosage and Sources
30 mg of vitamin E must be consumed daily by an average adult. Vitamin E is an unstable vitamin and is easily lost during cooking. Therefore it should be consumed through freshly cut fruits like papaya, strawberries, kiwi and apples.
It is present in ample amounts in almonds, tomatoes, shrimps, peanuts, cod liver oil, olive oil and meats.
Deficiency Symptoms and Cause
Deficiency symptoms include irritability, muscle weakens, apathy and lethargy. The factors that may cause deficiency include being in surrounding having excess oxygen, excess consumption of alcohol, malabsoption, cystic fibrosis, celiac diseases and lack of balanced diet.
Hazards of Excess Consumption
Vitamin E can considerably harm if taken in excess. Muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, sudden palpitation and sudden increase in blood pressure are some of the signs and symptoms of excess intake.
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