Category Archives: True Food Natural Vitamin E

Antioxidant Supreme, General Health & Nutrition, True Food Natural Vitamin E, Vitamin E

An e-ssential vitamin? Why Vitamin E’s so important – and where to get it

Everybody is surely – or, at least, should be – aware of how good vitamins are for their bodies. What fewer people are aware of, though, is that they need to consume an adequate amount of vitamins on a very regular basis not just to keep their body healthy but to keep it functioning properly at all. No question then, vitamins are brilliant; they’re essential. And a great example is one that’s maybe not as heralded as one of two of the others – Vitamin E.

Also known as tocopheral (in all its different naturally-occurring forms), Vitamin E’s a fat-soluble nutrient, which means it can be dissolved by lipids (fats in the body); this feature obviously plays a crucial role in how it operates in the human body, ensuring it helps to maintain eyesight1, aid the tackling of gout2 and proves critical for those suffering from arthritic symptoms3, to name just a few of the things it does.

Vitamin E benefits

But let’s take a closer look at Vitamin E’s multiple health benefits. There really are so many. Perhaps more than anything else, it’s well known for its antioxidant qualities4; contributing greatly to boosting and preserving the health of cell membranes and the tissues of the breast, eyes, liver, skin and testes5. And, like all antioxidants, it’s highly effective at swinging into action and ceasing molecules known as ‘free radicals’ from their harmful behaviour when they’ve found their way into the body6.

What do they do? Well, a free radical is uncharged (it lacks an electron), thus it likes nothing better to than try and chemically ‘complete’ itself by pairing with another electron-carrying molecule; but an antioxidant likes nothing more that stopping a free radical in its tracks – and ensuring its behaviour doesn’t cause oxidative stress7. This, in turn, can help pave the way to serious ailments like neurodegenerative disease8, while free radicals are also associated with arthritis, heart disease, hypertension, senility and even cancer5.

More than just an antioxidant

Vitamin E’s nothing if not versatile, though. For instance, in combination with Vitamin A, it works to reduce cholesterol and prevent general accumulation of fat around the body5. Moreover, owing to its antioxidant properties (which ensure it can minimise clotting and thus aid in the healing process of wounds), it’s felt to be useful when consumed immediately prior to and after surgery – that is, if a daily prescribed dosage is no higher than 200-300 IUs; otherwise it may work towards suppressing healing5.

It’s a vitamin that’s also particularly beneficial for the skin, specifically when it comes to helping to repair burns, lesions and ulcers9, and appears (to some extent) to help relieve menstrual pains – in addition to mitigating other menstrual-related symptoms like headaches, hot flushes and vaginal itching5. And, just to round things out, Vitamin E’s also believed to aid the treatment of leg cramps, muscular dystrophy10, restless leg syndrome11 and diabetes-caused circulatory issues12.

Vitamin E foods and supplements

Quite frankly, any nutritionist is likely to tell you that, ideally, your best sources for Vitamin E are foods rich in the nutrient that you can incorporate into your daily – or, at least, regular – diet. Of particularly high Vitamin E-content are the likes of safflower oil, wheat-germ oil and sunflower oil and seeds, as well as nuts like hazelnuts and walnuts, and vegetables including asparagus, broccoli, celery, cucumber, green peas, kale, spinach and tomatoes5.

However, whether or not you truly can incorporate those foods into your diet is, unfortunately, a moot point; too many of us – for whatever reason – eat too little of truly healthy foods nowadays, with modern food processing techniques and the increasing use of pesticides in farming negatively impacting on even supposedly nutrient-rich foods’ actual nutrient content. In which case, to successfully boost your intake of vitamin E – especially if a medical expert has informed you you’re deficient in it – your best bet is to turn to supplementation. Now, don’t doubt it; you want to go for naturally-derived Vitamin E supplements here, not their often dubious synthetic substitutes (which contain laboratory-manufactured vitamin content that’s usually nowhere near as nutritious). Indeed, among those available through us at The Finchley Clinic, you might well consider the following:

true-food-natural-vitamin-E

True Food Natural Vitamin E – in addition to Vitamin E, this highly bioavailable supplement contains B vitamins, beta glucans, glutathione, choline, inositol, amino acids and other phytonutrients; it may help protect cell membranes from oxidative damage, support healthy skin as the body ages and, when combined with True Food Super Potency Soyagen, it may help ease menopausal symptoms.

antioxidant-supreme

Antioxidant Supreme – an all-encompassing natural antioxidant supplement solution for fighting free radicals and to boost anti-ageing and general health; contains the essential Vitamins A, C and E, as well as the equally critical minerals that are copper, manganese, selenium, zinc and co-enzyme Q10.

super-antioxidant-protection

Super Antioxidant Protection – a powerful formula designed to supply the body with the key fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients that are Vitamins C and E (which work to reduce oxidation, not least in the arteries), as well as glutathione (absorbed into the body to form glutathione peroxidase, a major antioxidant enzyme), n-acetyl cysteine that works to maintain glutathione levels and Vitamin B2 that aid its regeneration; additionally, the minerals manganese, selenium and zinc promote antioxidant enzymes throughout the body.

Super Antioxidant Protection – a powerful formula designed to supply the body with the key fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients that are Vitamins C and E (which work to reduce oxidation, not least in the arteries), as well as glutathione (absorbed into the body to form glutathione peroxidase, a major antioxidant enzyme), n-acetyl cysteine that works to maintain glutathione levels and Vitamin B2 that aid its regeneration; additionally, the minerals manganese, selenium and zinc promote antioxidant enzymes throughout the body.

References:

1. Larsen P. D., Mock D. M. and O’Connor P. S. ‘Vitamin E deficiency associated with vision loss and bulbar weakness’. Ann Neurol. 1985 Dec; 18 (6): 725-7

2. Hsu, D-Z et al. ‘Therapeutic Effects of Sesame Oil on Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Acute Inflammatory Response in Rats’. SpringerPlus 2, Dec 2013): 659. PMC.

3. Choi E. J., Bae S. C., Yu R., Youn J. and Sung M. K. ‘Dietary vitamin E and quercetin modulate inflammatory responses of collagen-induced arthritis in mice’. J Med Food. Aug 2009; 12 (4): 770-5.

4. ‘Vitamin E: Health Sheet for Consumers’. National Institute of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/. Last updated: May 2016.

5. Haas E. M. and Levin B. ‘Chapter 5: Vitamins: Vitamin E.’ from ‘Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine’. Berkeley: Celestial Arts; 2006.

6. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8; Jul-Dec 2010: 118–126. PMC.

7. Jakus V. ‘The role of free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in diabetic vascular disease’. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2000; 101 (10): 541-51.

8. Uttara Bayani et al. ‘Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Upstream and Downstream Antioxidant Therapeutic Options’. Current Neuropharmacology 7.1 Mar 2009: 65–74. PMC.

9. Thiele J. J., Hsieh S. N. and Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. ‘Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology’. Dermatol Surg. Jul 2005; 31 (7 Pt 2): 805-13; discussion 813.

10. Berneske G. M. et al. ‘Clinical Trial of High Dosage Vitamin E in Human Muscular Dystrophy’. Canadian Medical Association Journal 82.8; Feb 1960: 418–421.

11. Ayres S. Jr. and Mihan R. ‘Leg Cramps (Systremma) and ‘Restless Legs’ Syndrome — Response to Vitamin E (Tocopherol)’. California Medicine 111.2; Aug 1969: 87–91.

12. Jain, A. B. and Jain V. A. ‘Vitamin E, Its Beneficial Role in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Its Complications’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR 6.10; Dec 2012: 1624–1628. PMC.

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals, General Health & Nutrition, True Food Natural Vitamin E, Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin E-ssential: The Many and Various Benefits of Vitamin E

Pretty much everybody – even children – are aware that the organic compounds known as vitamins are vital to the preservation of human health,  but while most people have heard of Vitamins A, B (Complex), C and D – and some are familiar with them – how many people know that much about Vitamin E? Chances are not that many. And yet, just like its fellow vitamins, ‘E’ is essential to keeping us fit and healthy and our bodies happily functioning as they should.

So, just what’s so special about Vitamin E? What makes it so important to our well-being? Well, principally it’s because it functions as such a good and reliable antioxidant1, thus combating the harmful, highly reactive molecules that occur in our bodies known as ‘free radicals’. Now, because these molecules are ‘uncharged’ (they’re forever after an electron to pair with their single electron) they attack and damage cells in their quest to become ‘charged’ and complete, thus potentially leading to many ailments. This process is referred to as oxidative stress2 and so requires antioxidants to counteract and neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals to the tissues of the skin3, eyes4, liver, breast, lungs and testes6, 7 – which is where Vitamin E comes in.

Antioxidant benefits

As a result of its invaluable antioxidant properties then, Vitamin E is believed to help with a whole range of issues, not least arthritis8, compromised eyesight9, gout10 and atherosclerosis6. Moreover, in combating free radical formation that would otherwise see the molecules spread throughout the body, it can help prevent chain reactions that might lead to the emergence of diseases such as cardiovascular and heart disease, hypertension, senility and even forms cancer6.

And it doesn’t end there; further Vitamin E benefits include reducing menstrual pains and disorders such as vaginal itching dryness6 and migraines11, as well as help treat fatty liver disease12, muscular dystrophy13, restless leg syndrome14, shingles15 and diabetes-related circulatory problems16. Plus, in tandem with Vitamin A, there’s research to suggest Vitamin E may help reduce cholesterol and accumulation of fat6.

Vitamin E sources

So, with its myriad health benefits, it would be no surprise you decided to check if you’re getting enough of Vitamin E. The good news is that if you practice a well-balanced, healthy diet, there’s a decent chance you do. If not, though, you might look to boost your vegetable, seed and nut intake6. To that end, almonds, broccoli, avocados, hazelnuts, kale, mustard greens, papayas, parsley, pine nuts, olives, raw seeds, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip greens are all noted strong sources for the vitamin.

But what if you’re unable to alter your diet sufficiently (you might well have a nut allergy, for instance)? Well, there are a good number of Vitamin E supplements on the market and that means it’s in your interest to check out and discover the best and most value-for-money products. In which case, may we turn your attention to the ‘Vitamins & Minerals’ section of The Finchley Clinic website where you’ll find a fine selection of supplements containing Vitamin E and more; the following three of which are all highly recommended:

Adult-Multivitamins-and-Minerals-90-Capsules

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals – a one-a-day capsule for all round nutritional support, features Vitamins A, B (Complex), C, D and E, as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

True-Food-Natural-Vitamin-E

True Food Natural Vitamin E – a highly bio-available food form of Vitamin E that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports healthy skin; can also be taken with True Food Soyagen for menopause support.

MicroCell-Vitamin-E

Microcell Vitamin E 200 – micellised into small droplets by BioCare’s unique MicroCell process for enhanced absorption and bioavailability.

References:

1. ‘Vitamin E: Health Sheet for Health Professionals’. National Institute of Health. May 2016.

2. Jakus V. ‘The role of free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in diabetic vascular disease’. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2000. 101(10): 541-51.

3. Thiele J. J., Hsieh S. N. and Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. ‘Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology’. Dermatol Surg. July 2005. 31 (7 Pt 2): 805-13.

4. Rizvi, S. et al. ‘The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases’. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 14.2 2014: e157–e165.

5. Applegate T. J. and Sell J. L. ‘Effect of dietary linoleic to linolenic acid ratio and vitamin E supplementation on vitamin E status of poults’. Poult Sci. July 1996. 75 (7): 881-90

6. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8 2010: 118–126. PMC.

7. Choi E. J., Bae S. C., Yu R., Youn J. and Sung M. K. ‘Dietary vitamin E and quercetin modulate inflammatory responses of collagen-induced arthritis in mice’. J Med Food. Aug 2009.12 (4): 770-5.

8. Larsen P. D., Mock D. M. and O’Connor P. S. ‘Vitamin E deficiency associated with vision loss and bulbar weakness’. Ann Neurol. 1985 Dec. 18 (6): 725-7

9. Hsu D-Z. et al. ‘Therapeutic Effects of Sesame Oil on Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Acute Inflammatory Response in Rats’. SpringerPlus 2. 2013: 659. PMC.

10. Ziaei S., Kazemnejad A. and Sedighi A. ‘The effect of vitamin E on the treatment of menstrual migraine’. Med Sci Monit. Jan 2009. 15(1): CR16-9.

11. Arani K. S. et al. ‘Effect of Vitamin E and Metformin on Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children- Randomized Clinical Trial’. Iranian Journal of Public Health 43.10 2014: 1417–1423.

12. Berneske G. M. et al. ‘Clinical Trial of High Dosage Vitamin E in Human Muscular Dystrophy’. Canadian Medical Association Journal 82.8 1960: 418–421.

13. Ayres S. and Mihan R. ‘Leg Cramps (Systremma) and ‘Restless Legs’ Syndrome – Response to Vitamin E (Tocopherol)’. California Medicine 111.2 1969: 87–91.

14. Nicholas J. A. et al. ‘Design of Oral Agents for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Benefit and Risk Assessment for Dimethyl Fumarate’. Drug Design, Development and Therapy 8 2014: 897–908. PMC.

15. Baburao Jain, A. and Anand Jain V. ‘Vitamin E, Its Beneficial Role in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Its Complications’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR 6.10 2012: 1624–1628. PMC.