Way back in the 70's when I was a young doctor, I got interested in Vitamin E and started using it. About two hours from me was a clinic run by two doctor-brothers named Shute who began using high doses of Vitamin E in the 1950's to treat a variety of heart and circulation disorders. They wrote one the of the first books on Vitamin E and were widely criticized for their beliefs. However I saw many of my patients begin vitamin E and report positive improvements.
In the 70's and 80's there were only two main forms of Vitamin E available, a synthetic d,l-alpha-tocopherol and a natural mixed tocopherol. Since the synthetic form was not found in nature it was easy to tell my patients to only buy natural mixed tocopherols as the Shute brothers were recommending.
The scene is different today because we have learned more about all the different types of tocopherols found in nature. Vitamin E comes in 8 different types, 4 tocopherols - alpha, beta, gamma, delta and 4 tocotrienols labelled the same way.
The first tocopherol isolated was called alpha-tocopherol and was originally thought to be the best form to use. Recent studies show that taking high doses of alpha-tocopherol can overwhelm and negate the benefits of other tocopherols that are much more important. Gamma-tocopherol is now thought to be the best Vitamin E form to take, so look for a Vitamin E supplement that contains high amounts of gamma-tocopherol.
The RDA for Vitamin E is a rather low 15 units per day. For therapeutic response, one must take anywhere from 400 to 1200 units per day so it's obvious the RDA is not therapeutic except to prevent outright vitamin E deficiency. Research suggests Vitamin E reduces platelet stickiness, reduces heart attack risk, reduces risk of some cancers, and may reduce the onset of Alzheimer's. There have been studies debunking any positive effect of Vitamin E and all have been criticized by supporters of using supplements.
Delta-tocotrienol is the most potent of the 4 tocotrienols of vitamin E. Research has shown tocotrienols will reduce cholesterol, reverse hardening of the arteries, inhibit growth of breast cancer cells and reduce platelet stickiness.
For best results Vitamin E should be taken with other anti-oxidants. Because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, take with food. Do not take iron or other minerals at the same time as you take Vitamin E.
Orlistat (Xenical©) and cholestyramine (Questran©) both bind vitamin E and prevent its absorption so take your vitamin E at least 2-4 away from these drugs. Certain anticonvulsants drugs including carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin may also affect the absorption of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is found in certain foods but not in adequate amounts to use therapeutically.
drBob
Way back in the 70's when I was a young doctor, I got interested in Vitamin E and started using it. About two hours from me was a clinic run by two doctor-brothers named Shute who began using high doses of Vitamin E in the 1950's to treat a variety of heart and circulation disorders. They wrote one the of the first books on Vitamin E and were widely criticized for their beliefs. However I saw many of my patients begin vitamin E and report positive improvements.
In the 70's and 80's there were only two main forms of Vitamin E available, a synthetic d,l-alpha-tocopherol and a natural mixed tocopherol. Since the synthetic form was not found in nature it was easy to tell my patients to only buy natural mixed tocopherols as the Shute brothers were recommending.
The scene is different today because we have learned more about all the different types of tocopherols found in nature. Vitamin E comes in 8 different types, 4 tocopherols - alpha, beta, gamma, delta and 4 tocotrienols labelled the same way.
The first tocopherol isolated was called alpha-tocopherol and was originally thought to be the best form to use. Recent studies show that taking high doses of alpha-tocopherol can overwhelm and negate the benefits of other tocopherols that are much more important. Gamma-tocopherol is now thought to be the best Vitamin E form to take, so look for a Vitamin E supplement that contains high amounts of gamma-tocopherol.
The RDA for Vitamin E is a rather low 15 units per day. For therapeutic response, one must take anywhere from 400 to 1200 units per day so it's obvious the RDA is not therapeutic except to prevent outright vitamin E deficiency. Research suggests Vitamin E reduces platelet stickiness, reduces heart attack risk, reduces risk of some cancers, and may reduce the onset of Alzheimer's. There have been studies debunking any positive effect of Vitamin E and all have been criticized by supporters of using supplements.
Delta-tocotrienol is the most potent of the 4 tocotrienols of vitamin E. Research has shown tocotrienols will reduce cholesterol, reverse hardening of the arteries, inhibit growth of breast cancer cells and reduce platelet stickiness.
For best results Vitamin E should be taken with other anti-oxidants. Because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, take with food. Do not take iron or other minerals at the same time as you take Vitamin E.
Orlistat (Xenical©) and cholestyramine (Questran©) both bind vitamin E and prevent its absorption so take your vitamin E at least 2-4 away from these drugs. Certain anticonvulsants drugs including carbamazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin may also affect the absorption of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is found in certain foods but not in adequate amounts to use therapeutically.
drBob