e vitamin functions

You're sure to realize that vitamin e plays an important role in your health.

But, you may be unsure as to exactly why this is.

So, let's take a look at a few basic facts about vitamin e, learn how it helps you, and where you can find good supplies ...

facts about vitamin e

First of all, there are actually eight different forms of the vitamin.

The most active is called alpha-tocopherol (or a-tocopheral), which is an extremely powerful anti-oxidant.

Fortunately, this vitamin (unlike vitamins b and c) is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in your body's fat cells, to be used as required.

However, freezing will destroy it, and extreme heat will break it down.

e vitamin functions

So, what are the benefits of vitamin e, and how does it help you?

Well, the e vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant, and helps your body in a wide variety of ways. For example:

• it limits the production of harmful free radicals, which may cause cancer and heart disease
• it helps with DNA repair
• it plays a role in your immune function
• it allows your body to make full use of vitamin k
• it helps with numerous other metabolic processes

sources of vitamin e

Which foods will supply you with vitamin e?

You'll find the all-important e vitamin in:

• nuts
• vegetable oils
• green leafy vegetables
• avocados
• olives
• certain fortified foods - such as some breakfast cereals

vitamin e dosage

And ... how much should you take each day?

The recommended daily dose for adults is placed at 15 mg, although expectant mothers could need more.

Interestingly enough, some surveys indicate that insufficient vitamin e is being taken.

vitamin e deficiency

There are a few medical conditions which could result in vitamin e deficiency, and may require you to take supplements:

• if you're unable to absorb dietary fat
• if you suffer from certain liver diseases
• premature babies

e vitamin functions - related pages

Find detailed information about other vitamins on the following pages...

• List of essential vitamins
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin Water

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