Vitamin E

Deficiency Symptoms: The principle use of vitamin E is an antioxidant in the protection against heart disease, cancer, stroke and neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s). In addition, alpha-tocopherol supplementation is useful in treating other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, fibrocystic breast disease, menopause symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. It may also have applications in Parkinson’s Disease and arthritis. Vitamin E is important to immune function, protecting thymic function and white blood cells from oxidative stress. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include nerve damage, muscle weakness, poor coordination, involuntary eye movements, red blood cell fragility, anemia and retrolental fibroplasia (eye disease).

Repletion Information: Vitamin E is available in many different formulations, either natural or synthetic. Natural forms of vitamin E are designated d-, as in d-a-tocopherol. Synthetic forms are designated as dl-. The biologically active form of the vitamin is the d- form and it is recommended for supplementation over the dl- (synthetic) forms.

Beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and the alpha- and deltatocoretinols have less than 50% of the biological activity than d-a-tocopherol.

The RDA for vitamin E (d-a-tocopherol) is set at 15 I.U. per day.

The amount of vitamin E required is dependent upon the amount of polyunsaturated fat in the diet. The more polyunsaturated fat in the diet, the greater the risk for oxidative damage, and the vitamin E requirement is increased. Most studies have utilized doses between 200-400 I.U. per day. Some studies report effective use of vitamin E at doses up to 3000 I.U. per day without observed side effects over a two-year period.