What Does Vitamin E Do For Your Body
The primary function of vitamin E in the body is to act as an antioxidant. Because it is fat-soluble, it works as a fat structure defender in the body. A previous study suggests that vitamin E may help to reduce the onset of cancer, heart disease, and diabetic problems.
It is required for a healthy immune system and protects the thymus and white blood cells from oxidation. Vitamin E is required in the eye for optimal retinal development and also protects against cataracts and macular degeneration. This vitamin is critical for regular gonad function, as well as muscle function and the integrity of the central nervous system.
Deficiencies can emerge with significant fat restriction in the diet, as a suitable quantity of fat is required for effective absorption of vitamin E. Subclinical vitamin E insufficiency is far more widespread and is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Tocopherol is the chemical term for vitamin E. All vitamin E designations begin with "d" or "dl," which are labels for distinct chemical structures. The natural form is "d," whereas the synthetic form is "dl." Natural vitamin E is more active than manufactured vitamin E. To compensate for poor activity, a greater dosage of synthetic vitamin E is administered. Although the danger of synthetic vitamin E has not been proved, using the natural version is advised.
In addition to the designations "d" and "dl", the Greek letter alpha often appears, which also describes the structure. Synthetic "dl" vitamin E exists exclusively in alpha form (dl-alpha-tocopherol). Natural vitamin E exists as alpha (d-alpha-tocopherol) or as a combination of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta called mixed natural tocopherols.
Vitamin E forms are sometimes known as "tocopherol" or "tocopheryl" ("tocopheryl acetate"). These two forms are not appreciably different, albeit tocopherol may be better absorbed and the tocopheryl form has a longer shelf life. When taken orally, both forms are active; however, the skin cannot utilize the tocopherol form, hence tocopherol should be used when applying vitamin E to the skin.
The recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 15 mg in the form of alpha-tocopherol. However, many scientific studies have used significantly higher doses - from 200 to 800 IU. The upper limit of the allowable daily intake of vitamin E is 1000 mg. Since it is almost impossible to achieve the intake of vitamin E amounts used for therapeutic purposes, vitamin E supplements are often used.
The daily need for vitamin E is also determined by the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids consumed (derived from fatty fish, seeds, and nuts). The more of these fats in the diet, the more likely their structure will be broken by free radicals, necessitating the need for vitamin E, which protects fatty acids from the detrimental effects of free radicals. The ideal vitamin E/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio is 0.4.
Wheat germ oil, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, egg yolk, and leafy green vegetables are the finest dietary sources of vitamin E. Food cannot compensate for high, therapeutic doses of vitamin E (above 100 IU). Vitamin E toxicity is extremely rare. High dosages of vitamin E can interfere with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins. People on anticoagulant medicine, on the other hand, should exercise caution while taking large dosages of vitamin E and should notify their doctor about the dietary supplements they are taking.
