Vitamin E is present in many foods. It is a fat soluble vitamin that is present in fats and oils and it’s an antioxidant. Vitamin E protects our bodies from premature aging, cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. It also lessens the chance of Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis. It can greatly benefit women who are going through menopause and can also lessen the symptoms and damage done by diabetes.

Some people suffer from Vitamin E deficiency because their body doesn’t properly absorb fat. Symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency include loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, impaired vision, an unsteady gait and abnormal eye movement.

Benefits of Vitamin E

There are many benefits to taking a Vitamin E supplement. They are:

• The slowing of the aging process.
• Vitamin E lessens the chance of cold induced injuries, such as frostbit and hypothermia.
• Speeds healing.
• Helps our bodies fight environmental pollutants.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Helps us fight the effects on anemia.
• Slows the progress of disease due to aging.
• Relieves the symptoms of irritability, mood swing and hot flashes due to menopause.
• Aids in the treatment of lupus.
• Replaces nutrients in people who suffer from autoimmune diseases such as AIDS and HIV.

Dietary Vitamin E

The best dietary source of Vitamin E is wheat germ. Other sources in lower quantities are nuts, eggs, dark leafy vegetables, olive oil, sunflower seeds, kale, beets, turnip, margarine, corn and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin E Supplements

People from infancy to the elderly should take Vitamin E supplements. It comes in capsule, tablet, softgel and oil form. Dosage ranges from 50 IU to 1000 IU daily.

Drug Interaction

Do not take Vitamin E supplements with aspirin, AZT, which is used in the treatment of AIDS and HIV, beta blockers for high blood pressure, antidepressants, cholesterol lowering drugs, or hormone replacement therapy.

If you are planning on taking a Vitamin E supplement, check with your family physician to make sure it is right for you.

Jason Ladock

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