Vitamin E (tocopherol):

Vitamin E comes in three forms. It is known as alpha tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol and tocopherols. Vitamin E plays an important role in the human body in slowing the effects of the natural aging process of the human body. It does this through maintaining the activities of various ezymatic processes on the cells. Vitamin E is also a prime protector of the human body against pollutants, especially in the lungs and tissue of the body. This vitamin also protects the red blood cells of the body against destruction by poisons which enter the bloodstream. Vitamin E also assists in the actual production of those red blood cells, and it aids in the production of energy to feed muscles in the body, especially the heart.

The dietary sources for Vitamin E are easily obtained through vegetable oils, however the green leafy vegetables contain high concentrations of this vitamin as well. Whole grain cereals and wheat products are also excellent dietary sources of Vitamin E. Supplements are rarely necessary, but deficiency is a serious matter when it does occur. When Vitamin E deficiency does occur in rare cases, it leads to hemolysis, or the destruction of the red blood cells in the human body. It can also lead to abnormally low levels of red blood cells as destruction continues which can also progress to anemia.Vitamin E deficiency may cause pallor, weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and even fluid retention.

Recommended intakes of Vitamin E vary, but the common agreement among professionals seems to be no higher than 250 milligrams daily, as doses beyond this, except in the rare cases of deficiency can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Of course, before starting any form of supplementation you should consult your health care practitioner.

Functions:

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin what works as an antioxidant and, as such, may have a possible role in protecting against illnesses such as heart disease and some types of cancer.

Deficiency problems:

Nervous system problems. Deficiencies are very rare, as vitamin E is abundant in foods. Premature, very low birthweight babies and people who do not absorb fat normally may have deficiency problems.

Food sources:

Vegetable oils and margarine, salad dressing and other foods made from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, leafy-green vegetables.

Excess amounts:

May interfere with vitamin K action and enhance the effect of some anticoagulant drugs.

Click on the list below to find more about the following vitamins.

1. Vitamins A
2. Vitamins B
3. Vitamins C
4. Why Vitamin C is so important
5. Vitamins D
6. Vitamins K
7. Vitamins Overdose Guide Article