Eh! The 'E' is so much more than a beauty pill

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin available in different forms. Naturally occurring Vitamin E occurs in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol) that have diverse proportions of biological activity, but alpha-tocopherol is the only one accepted by the human body. Its primary function is to act as an antioxidant, scavenging loose electrons (a.k.a. “free radicals”) that can impair cells. It also supplements immune function and obstructs clot formation in coronary arteries. Antioxidant vitamins, including Vitamin E, got some fame in the 1980s when scientists researched that free radical damage was one of the observations in the initial stages of atherosclerosis, and might also play a part in cancer, blindness, and many such acute disorders.

Vitamin E safeguards cells from the adverse effects of free radicals, which are substances that carry an unshared electron. Free radicals harm cells and might lead to the development of cardiovascular ailments and cancer. Unshared electrons are extremely dynamic and react quickly with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body forms ROS endogenously when it converts food to energy, and antioxidants could protect cells from the undesirable effects of ROS. The body is also subject to free radicals from environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Vitamin E is one such antioxidant that blocks the production of ROS formed during metabolism (lipid oxidation)

Vitamin E and Health

There?have been?numerous?claims regarding Vitamin E’s ability to boost health and prevent and cure disease. The ways by which Vitamin E provides this protection include its function as an antioxidant and its contributions in anti-inflammatory processes, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and immune enhancement.

Cardiovascular Health - In vitro?studies have proven that Vitamin E hinders oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a significant originating step for atherosclerosis. Vitamin E also helps to avoid the development of blood clots may trigger a heart attack or venous thromboembolism. May empirical examinations have syndicated lower rates of heart disease with higher Vitamin E intakes, primarily from supplements.

Cancer - Antioxidant nutrients like Vitamin E secure cell constituents from the detrimental effects of free radicals which may expedite cancer development. Vitamin E also blocks the generation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the stomach during breakdown of nitrites in foods and thus protects against cancer by strengthening immune function. However, it is important to be alert that daily intake of high doses of Vitamin E supplements (400 IU of synthetic Vitamin E [180 mg]) may escalate the threat of prostate cancer.

Age-related vision impairment - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are among the most widespread causes of remarkable vision loss in geriatric population. Their diagnosis is generally unknown, but the aggregate effects of oxidative stress have been presumed to play a role. In such cases, nutrients with antioxidant functions, such as Vitamin E, could be used to prevent or cure these abnormalities. The formulations of Vitamin E, other antioxidants, zinc, and copper assure slowing the advancement of AMD in people at high risk.

Cognitive function and neurodegenerative disorders - The brain has an exorbitant oxygen consumption rate and abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids in the neuronal cell membranes. Researchers postulate that if progressive free-radical damage to neurons over time contributes to cognitive depreciation and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, then consumption of adequate or supplemental antioxidants (such as Vitamin E) provides protection to some extent.

Food Sources

Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils,?nuts, seeds,?fruits, and?vegetables.

·????????Wheat germ oil

·????????Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil

·????????Sunflower seeds

·????????Almonds

·????????Peanuts, peanut butter

·????????Beet greens, collard greens, spinach

·????????Pumpkin

·????????Red bell pepper

·????????Asparagus

·????????Mangoes

·????????Avocados

Signs of Deficiency

Since Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods and supplements, a deficiency is uncommon. People who have digestive disorders or do not absorb fat appropriately (e.g., pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease) can develop a Vitamin E deficiency. The following are common signs of a deficiency:

·????????Retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eyes that can impair vision)

·????????Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves, usually in the hands or feet, causing weakness or pain)

·????????Ataxia (loss of control of body movements)

·????????Decreased immune function

Janhavi Dandekar

For Inhalation Health Pvt. Ltd.

For more information about our company and product offerings that includes unique & novel ingredients, please visit?www.inhalationhealth.com,?OR write to us on [email protected]