Is Vitamin E bad for you? Looking at the volume of research pouring in, it may seem that way. A vitamin that was once thought to be useful is now not? How can that be? The truth is Vitamin E is good for you. It’s the limited nature by which research is presented that creates unnecessary confusion and concern.
In the most recent study involving vitamin E and bone loss1, it shows that mice given d-alpha-tocopherol, the common single synthetic form of vitamin E, lose bone faster than mice not so supplemented. Aside from the study being on mice and not higher primates, it uses a single, synthetic form and NOT the mixed natural forms which are extremely beneficial. Prior studies of mixed natural tocopherols have shown bone building or bone sparing effects.
The reason d-alpha tocopherol became popular is that it was an isolated form that could be easily synthesized and to which the standard assay for vitamin E, a rat uterine muscle contraction assay was developed at the NationaI Institutes of Health.
Synthetic or Natural?
Conventional research that often focuses on the negativity of vitamin E usually utilizes synthetic vitamin E rather than natural. The limit for vitamin E intake is suggested to be a low 400IU/day but that’s because its synthetic. The more natural vitamins E you take, the better for the body. The bioavailability (available for use by the body) is 2:1 for natural-source vitamin E over synthetic.
Mixed Not Single:
One more important point that is often forgotten is that vitamins E is not a single vitamin but a combination of 8 forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol). Some of the eight members of the vitamin E family share similar functions and others have functions that are completely different. Also, where they go in our body is different especially for alpha tocopherol versus the others.
The groups work better as a team than the alpha tocopherol does alone. The more d-alpha tocopherol succinate or acetate you take, the more you dilute the other 7 forms of vitamin E, thus diluting the vitamin’s impact overall.
Early Natural Vitamin E Research:
Dr. Wilfrid and Evan Shute recommended doses from 400 IU to 8,000 IU daily2-4. They reported that they had given 8,000 IU (about 8 grams) without seeing any toxicity. Compared to matched populations, there was an over 80% reduction in heart disease. At 1600 IU per day they successfully treated patients with conditions like acute coronary thrombosis, hypertensive heart disease, diabetes, nephritis, and even burns. The Shute brothers used wheat germ as the source for natural vitamin E.
The PERQUE Difference:
At PERQUE, we only use the safest, most effective natural form of any ingredient possible, including vitamin E! Enjoy all the wonders vitamin E has to offer – a better heart, a better respiratory system, and a higher functioning brain with vitamin E enriched products like PERQUE LifeGuard and PERQUE MitoGuard Plus.
Fujita K, Iwasaki M, Ochi H etal. Vitamin E decreases bone mass by stimulating osteoclast fusion, Letter, Nature Medicine (2012)
Shute, EV. et al. (1963) The Heart and Vitamin E. London, Canada: The Shute Foundation for Medical Research.
Shute, EV. (1972) Proposed study of vitamin E therapy. Can Med Assoc J. 1972 May 20;106(10):1057.
Shute, EV. (1973) Letter: Vitamin E fatigue? Calif Med. Oct;119(4):73.
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