Vitamin E, a Family of Eight Antioxidants

VITAMIN

Nutrient Family:

Vitamin

Vitamin E is made up of:

Family of 8

4 Tocopherols

Tocopherols

o 4 different types of tocopherols

§ alpha- tocopherols

> most commonly found in supplements

§ beta- tocopherols

§ gamma- tocopherols

> most commonly found in supplements

> abundant in (organic, cold press) soy and corn oil

§ delta- tocopherols

4 Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols

o 4 different types of tocotrienols

§ alpha-tocotrienol

§ beta-tocotrienol

§ gamma-tocotrienol

§ delta-tocotrienol

The differences are due to their chemical structures - different forms tackle for different diseases – for example :

alpha- tocopherols - protect LDL from oxidation
tocotrienols – studies have shown that this type of Vitamin E can clean up clogged arteries.
gamma-tocopherols – prevent inflammation
gamma- tocopherols – are natural diuretics that helps body maintain normal mineral balance, which in turn helps protect against high blood pressure

Additionally, Vitamin E is available in both natural and synthetic forms.

The natural forms is recognized by the pre-fix “d” as in :

§ d-alpha

§ d-beta

§ d-gamma

§ d-delta

The synthetic forms carries pre-fix “dl”.

Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants in the Network Antioxidant team.

It is recycled by:

Vitamin E's Workings

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant:

Fat Soluble

Other functions besides being an antioxidant:

It is used a oil preservative – preventing oil from going rancid
It is also an enzymatic activity regulator
It prevents platelets aggregation that can leads to clogging

Since its is fat soluble, it is unable to travel in the blood (which is primarily water) on its own. Vitamin E relies on lipoproteins (such as LDL and HDL) for transportation.

It’s a type of chain-breaking antioxidant (breaks the chain reactions of free radicals - see "Chain Breaking" in "What Are Antioxidant" page, for description).

Different workings of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols :

Tocotrienols work on independently whereas Tocopherols work in clusters, making it easier for tocotrienols to maneuver into cells.
Tocotrienols also recycle more easily than tocopherols

Due to the different workings of each both types of Vitamins E, and the different chemical structure of all 8 members, it is best that all 8 are consumed to ensure you get the full benefits of Vitamin E.

Additionally, sometimes certain activities deplete the body’s level of certain members of the Vitamin E causing ratio imbalance of Vitamin E in the body. For example, smoking depletes gamma-tocopherols, which in turn can cause mineral imbalance that can lead to high blood pressure.

Where Is Vitamin E Found Naturally?

Vitamin E is sourced from plants.

Our body cannot produce Vitamin E and hence, we need to obtain them from foods or supplements.

Examples of food sources:

Wheat germ oil
Sunflower oil
Almond oil
Sunflower seed
Almond
Hazelnut
Walnut oil
Peanut oil
Olive oil
Poppyseed oil
Peanut
Pollard
Maize
Poppy seed
Asparagus
Oats
Chestnut
Coconut
Tomatoes
Walnut
Carrots
Goat's milk

(food list - cite: Wikipedia)

Other Vitamin E rich foods:

Broccoli
Pumpkin
Sweet Potato

Health Benefits of Vitamin E

Examples of the health benefits of Vitamin E:

Cancer fighter

> Reduces risks of cancer – breast cancer, prostrate cancer

Replenish Vitamin E in smokers – typically needed is gamma-tocopherols
Blood pressure control

> Swedish study shows that gamma-tocopherol aids in maintain high blood pressure.

Strengthen immune system

> Aids in the production of T-cells and B-cells production, and improve their strength in older people.

Possible hope for Alzheimer’s disease

> Lipid peroxidation in the brain cells leads to damages to the neurons in the cells as well as the neuron transmitters between the cells. Vitamin E being fat-soluble is able to flex its antioxidant strength to reduce damages caused by free radicals, and hence, reduce the risks of the disease advancing into the serious stage.

Counters damages from oxidative stress produced during exercise.

Cataract

> Studies shown that Vitamin E can both reverse development of cataract as well as prevent the oxidation of the lens that leads to cataract.

Reliefs symptom of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases

Brain Protector

> As a fat-soluble Antioxidant and Vitamin, it works well in the brain where there are naturally lots of fatty acids.

Skin Savior

> Protects the skin against the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin

Carotid stenosis (narrowing of the carotid artery)

> 2-prong aid, with tocopherols protecting against oxidation of the LDL and tocotrienols cleaning up the plague.

Heart Protector

> Protects heart against heart diseases and prevention of second heart attacks for those already with existing heart disease. Again, using a 2-prong approach of preventing damages from oxidation and cleaning up when plague already formed.

Possible Interactions

It is suggested that it is best to ensure that you consume all 8 members of the Vitamin E family, as each is needed for different health support. Also, the imbalance of these members of this family may cause health issues, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

Natural form of Vitamin E from food sources is the better source of Vitamin E. The synthetic form found in some supplements may not be suited for some, especially persons with pre-existing health conditions.