Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the body's cells & helps protect the eyes from the effects of free radicals. Vitamin E was discovered in the 1920s but only now are we appreciating it. It is a fat soluble vitamin composed of eight tocopherols, alpha tocopherol being the most effective. Unlike other fat soluble vitamins, vitamin E is only stored within the body for a relatively short time & therefore a regular supply is advisable. Antioxidant
- Vitamin E is important as a protective measure against free radicals by scavenging free radicals before they attack cells & by concentrating in the cell membranes to protect against free radical attack. Blood circulation
- has been shown to be beneficial in cases where there is an inadequate supply of blood to the calf muscles which causes debilitating pain. Blood clots
- may prevent & dissolve blood clots. Endurance
- has been shown to alleviate fatigue & supply oxygen to the body to give a greater endurance. Healing
- it can prevent thick scar formation & accelerate the healing of burns. Blood pressure
- vitamin E has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Heart disease
- recent studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation significantly lowers the risk of heart disease for example the Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study found evidence to support the use of alpha-tocopherol in preventing non fatal myocardial infarction (heart attacks) in patients with angina & coronary atherosclerosis.