Sinthetic Tocopheryl Esters Do Not Supply Powerful Antioxidant Action
New European research shows that low vitamin E levels are more important than high cholesterol levels in predicting death from heart disease. (10)
When vitamin E is esterified, the active alpha compound is chemically isolated and combined with another substance to form an ester such as tocopheryl acetate or tocopheryl succinate. These vitamin E esters exhibit unusual resistance to destruction by oxidation, even in the presence of minerals or at elevated temperatures. Not being subject to oxidation, tocophe!yl esters do not supply the powerful antioxidant action and free radical protection of free non-esterified tocopherols. Vitamin E is also better absorbed and utilized as tocopherol than in the esterified forms.
Check the label. Non-esterified vitamin E is listed as d-alpha tocopherol. When the vitamin is esterified the "ol" tocopherol ending is changed to "yl" tocopheryl and is followed by the type of ester, usually tocopheryl acetate or succinate.
D-Alpha Tocopherol and Mixed Tocopherols Work Best Together
Of the eight known tocopherols, researchers now believe d-alpha tocopherol to be the most potent form of vitamin E with the greatest nutritional and biological value.(6). However, even this most potent form has been found to work best in the presence of other natural tocopherols. The International Units (I.U.) listed on the label refers only to the alpha form because that is the accepted standard of measurement.
Natural E Is 33% More Effective
Studies on differential vitamin E absorption show that natural d-alpha tocopherol is better absorbed and utilized by the body than synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol. According to the Merck Index, 10th Edition, the ratio of activity for natural vitamin E is 1.4:1.0 over synthetic, making it about 33% more effective.
Four Major Functions of Vitamin E
According to Dr. Evan Shute, one of the world’s foremost authorities on vitamin E, there are four major functions, that make it the most valuable ally yet found in the treatment of heart disease.(1,2)
1-Natural anti-thrombin
-circulates in the blood and prevents platelet aggregation or clots occurring inside the vessel, but does not interfere with the normal clotting process in wounds or with normal healing. In fact, it actually accelerates healing of bums and wounds. This is important not only in the treatment of heart disease. but in treating phlebitis and varicose veins caused by blood clots and venous obstructions. Sesame oil further reduces the risk of thrombi.
2-Oxygen conservation
–decreases the oxygen requirement of muscle by as much as 43%. This makes the stream of blood which passes through narrowed arteries in many heart patients, adequate to prevent anoxia (lack of oxygen) which triggers angina pain. Athletic performance and endurance are also enhanced due to oxygen conservation.
3. Collateral circulation
-Vitamin E dilates blood vessels and opens up new pathways in the damaged circulatory system to bypass blocks produced by clots and hardened arteries. Intermittent claudication a severe pain in calf muscles which results from inadequate blood
supply, is relieved due to vitamin E's ability to conserve oxygen and to increase blood supply by dilating blood vessels.
4. Scarring
-prevents production of excessive scar tissue and, in some instances, can melt away unwanted scar tissue. This function has been seen in many areas of the body both internally and externally. Scarring from, bums, wounds and acne may be reduced or eliminated by simultaneous oral supplementation and external application of vitamin E.
These and other properties make vitamin E useful in treatment and prevention of many conditions throughout the body. Vitamin E has been shown to significantly reduce the need for insulin in diabetic patients due to its role in synthesis of coenzyme Q, a factor in the respiratory chain that releases energy from carbohydrates and fats.
Protects against Damage from -“Free Radicals and Environmental Pollutants at the Cellular Level”
Vitamin E protects cell membranes from the destructive effects of oxygen free radicals and environmental pollutants. Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., explains: "Vitamin E has a great affinity for cell membranes because these membranes contain large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and other fats, and vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin."
For this reason the effects of vitamin E are seen throughout the body.
- Premature aging may result from by collagen cross-linking caused by the destructive effects of free radicals and environmental pollutants. As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects against these and may slow down such symptoms as wrinkling of the skin.(7,9)
- Male fertility has been improved with vitamin E. Although potency is not affected, fertility is improved due to its protective effect on sperm cell membranes.(9)
- Sickle cell anemia patients have seen a reduction in blood levels of irreversibly sickle cells (IRC) with vitamin E. Vitamin E's action as an antioxidant may alter the stability of the red blood cell membrane, making it less vulnerable to bending and distortion.
- Cancer prevention and treatment are enhanced by vitamin E because of its protective effect on cell membranes. It has also been shown to potentiate the antioxidant effect of selenium and to reduce toxic side effects of radiation and drugs used in cancer treatment.(4,5)
Vitamin E's antioxidant action prevents the breakdown of fatty acids and vitamin A. When these nutrients are increased, or when the diet is high in polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E intake should be increased proportionately.
Special Needs of Women
Vitamin E has a positive effect on the female reproductive system and has proven effective in alleviating a number of conditions.
- .Habitual miscarriage may be avoided. Vitamin E strengthens the villi which attach the placenta to the uterine wall.
- .Premature births frequently result from inadequate vitamin E intake during pregnancy, leaving the infant more susceptible to anemia.
- .Fibrocystic disease of the breast has responded well to vitamin E supplementation in clinical tests by gynecologist Robert London, M.D.(4,5)
- .Breast cancer patients tested for plasma levels of vitamins A, E and beta carotene showed lower levels of beta carotene and significantly lower levels of vitamin E than controls. (4,5)
- PMS symptoms have been alleviated in some women by vitamin E .
- .Menopausal symptoms of headache and hot flashes have responded well to vitamin E.
References
1. Shute Evan, The Heart and Vitamin E, Shute Foundation of Lon- don, Ontario, Canada, 1963.
2. Shute Wilfred E. and Taub HJ, Vitamin E for Ailing and Healthy Hearts, Pyramid House, New York, 1969.
3. Pfeiffer Carl, Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1975.
4. Wald NJ, et. al., "Vitamin A, Carotene, Vitamin E and Breast Cancer", British Journal of Cancer, 1984.
5. London Robert, "Vitamin E Helps Protect the Breasts", Prevention, April, 1977.
6. Garrison, R and Somer, E., The Nutrition Desk Reference, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1985.
7. Nutrition Search, Inc. Nutrition Almanac, McGraw Hill, 1984.
8. Bland Jeffrey, 1986 a Year in Nutritional Medicine, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT. 1987.
9. The Complete Book of Vitamins, Rodale, Emmaus, PA, 1984.
10. Gey Fred, Puska Pekka, Jordan Paul and Moser Ulrich, "Inverse Correlation between Plasma Vitamin E and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease in Cross-Cultural Epidemiology", American Journal C1f Clinical Nutrition, Jan, 1991.
WARNING:
This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.
