Health & WellnessVitamins & NutritionVitamin E

Found in?

Vitamin E is found in unprocessed vegetable and nut oils, including cottonseed, safflower, wheat germ and soybean oil. Small amounts of this nutrient are found in nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and legumes.

Functions?

Vitamin E's role is vital in promoting anti-aging (antioxidant) functions and preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Like Vitamin C, it protects cells and tissues from damage by free radicals. (Free radicals are "free", or loose, electrons that attach themselves to cell membrane or blood vessel lining, creating inflammation and eventually causing damage. Antioxidants reduce these damaging effects.)

Good for?

Treatment of cancers, fibrocystic breast disease, cardiovascular and cancer disease prevention, aging related disorders, menopause symptoms, cholesterol problems, diabetes, circulatory problems and wound healing.

Deficiency symptoms, adverse effects?

Symptoms of too much Vitamin E include nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, fainting and heart palpitations.

Vitamin E deficiency - arising from fat malabsorption, include anemia, and premature infants with Vitamin E deficiency may suffer from retina disorders, possibly leading to blindness. It is possible that those with inadequate intakes of Vitamin E may increase their risk of cancer (especially breast cancer).