Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and an essential nutrient for healthy skin and healthy hair. It also assists in the formation of red blood cells and helps maintains healthy cardio and immune system functions.

Vitamin E was discovered about 80 years ago, but in the last twenty years it has been discovered to be a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E is fat soluble and poorly absorbed. It is stored in the fat tissues and the liver. Vitamin E offers numerous health benefits, particularly disease prevention because of its powerful antioxidant properties.

Research indicates that Vitamin E:

• Is a powerful antioxidant
• Assists in the formation of red blood cells
• Supports healthy immune system function
• Promotes healing of burns, eczema and other skin problems
• Supports healthy skin and hair growth
• May support healthy eyes
• Is an important nutrient for healthy cardio function
• Helps the body make optimal use of vitamin A and iron
• Protects fatty acids in the body
• Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol

Why is natural-source better than synthetic?
In the case of other vitamins, the natural and synthetic forms are identical and are utilized by the body in the same manner. But not in the case of vitamin E. Natural-source vitamin E is called d-Alpha tocopherol. This is the same form of vitamin E that is present in natural foods like soybeans. Synthetic vitamin E, known as dl-Alpha tocopherol, is derived from non-food sources.

Natural-source vitamin E (d-Alpha) is much more available than synthetic forms (dl-Alpha). In fact, some researchers have speculated that the activity may be up to 100 percent greater.

It has been shown that Natural-source vitamin E has twice the bioavailability (available for use in the body) than synthetic. According to a study done by Drs. Keith Ingold and Grahan Burton at the National Research Council of Canada, natural-source d-Alpha vitamin E is retained longer and is twice as likely to get to the parts that need it most-like the heart and brain.

Dosage
The RDA for Vitamin E is 12 IU for women and 15 IU for men; however, typical daily dosages range from 400-800 IU. It is recommended that Vitamin E be taken with meals that contain fat to increase absorption and lower the risk of stomach irritation.

Cautions:

• Vitamin E is generally non-toxic when taken in doses less than 1200 IU per day; however, in doses more than 1200 IU/day it may cause nausea, gas, diarrhea and heart palpitations.
  
• High doses of vitamin E may interfere with vitamin K activity.
  If you have an overactive thyroid, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatic heart disease, are taking prescription blood thinners, aspirin or are pregnant or lactating consult a health care practitioner before taking Vitamin E.