Discover the power of vitamin and vitamin supplements for hair care

Vitamin E has long been used as a preventative measure against heart disease and stroke. Recent studies however, are somewhat doubtful as to this water-soluble vitamin’s usefulness for cardiac health. But as an antioxidant vitamin it has many health benefits.

Vitamin E is the general term given to a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols, such as alpha-, beta-, delta- and gamma-tocopherol. Vitamin E exists in eight forms, each one having its own potency and function within the body. The most active form of Vitamin E appears as alpha-tocopherol and is widely known as a powerful antioxidant. Substances with antioxidant properties have proven extremely important to overall health. Free radicals, which are basically by-products of energy metabolism (DNA oxidation), play havoc on the body, damaging healthy cells and possibly contributing to such conditions as heart disease and cancer. Research shows that vitamin E may protect the cell membranes from the devastating and long-term effects of these scavenger cells.

Vitamin E supplements are most commonly sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form that protects the active ingredient and allows it to effectively utilize its antioxidant properties. As well, vitamin E is either sold in its natural form, labeled “D” or as a synthetic substance marked “DL”. Although the synthetic form is less expensive and appears to have a longer shelf life, it is also only have as potent as the natural form.

Vitamin E was identified 80 years ago, relatively late in comparison to some substances or herbs that have been used for centuries. Despite this, its anti-oxidant healing properties have only been under investigation for about 20 years. Vitamin E is stored in the fatty tissue of the body, where it is released when needed for example, to fight free radicals.

This widely recognized vitamin also plays a role in immune system function, red blood cell formation and DNA repair, to mention only a few of the growing number of metabolic processes vitamin E appears to affect. As well, vitamin E promotes metabolism of selenium, a common trace mineral, and vitamin A and vitamin K

Vitamin E is found in a variety of natural sources, including both animal and plant foods. Wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils like corn, soybean and safflower, almonds, walnuts, meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy ones like spinach, all contain vitamin E. Unfortunately, many of these foods are also high in fat, so those who are counting calories may wish to look to supplemental sources in some cases. These vitamins are often mixed with vitamin C, another antioxidant that serves to increase the efficacy of vitamin E. Although much research is still needed, it appears as though this combination may be helpful in preventing resulting complications of conditions such as alcoholism, cancer, HIV, congestive heart failure, lupus, multiple sclerosis and nail problems.

Probably the most common health benefit associated with vitamin E is cardiovascular disease. It is believed that vitamin E can delay or prevent heart problems, although recent studies now question the effectiveness of this nutrient.

Much research supports the fact that oxidative changes to LDL-cholesterol (bad) result in blockages in the coronary arteries, preventing adequate circulation. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, over time can lead to serious heart attacks and even death. It is suggested that vitamin E may limit the amount of oxidation to LDL-cholesterol, thereby preventing or delaying heart disease. Along the same lines, researchers believe that vitamin E may also prevent blood clots, another condition that can easily lead to heart attacks.

One study of approximately 90,000 nurses, suggests that those who consumed the most vitamin E, from diet or supplements, had a 30 to 40 percent lower risk of developing heart disease. It was reported though, that these results were derived mostly from supplemental vitamin E and that dietary sources were not responsible for any significant reduction in cardiac risk.¹

A further study using 5,133 men and women ages 30 to 69 from Finland did however, suggest that antioxidant dietary supplement of vitamin E was responsible for a decrease in deaths from heart disease.² On the other hand, a study conducted by Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE), that followed 10,000 patients for close to 5 years, reported that subjects who received 400 IU of supplemental vitamin E, did not in fact, experience significantly less heart related incidences or hospitalizations for such things as heart failure and chest pain than those who received a placebo.³

A second trial was conduct by HOPE and was published in September 2003, again finding no apparent benefit from vitamin E antioxidant supplement for cardiovascular health. This study noted that 21.4 percent of patients taking vitamin E antioxidant supplements experienced a heart attack in comparison to the 20.6 percent who given a placebo who also experienced a heart attack. Many more studies also either support or deny vitamin E as a preventative nutrient for heart disease, further confusing the issue.

What is known however is that vitamin E does help in cases of cataracts. These abnormal growths that develop in the lens of the eye eventually cloud vision and can lead to blindness. Studies of vitamin E find that lens clarity is significantly better in those with higher blood levels of vitamin E.⁴ Another recent study showed that the risk of macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness, is significantly lower in those with higher blood levels of vitamin E.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin E are believed to block the formation of carcinogens known as nitrosamines, which form in the stomach as a result of nitrates in our food. It is also thought these antioxidants may protect the cells from free radicals that are key in cancer cell development.

Scientists are now looking to vitamin E in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Since it theorized that the degenerative memory loss associated with this disease is possibly a result of long-term damage to nerve fibers in the brain by free radicals, the antioxidant properties of vitamin E could potentially be helpful. One study conducted by researchers at Columbia University reports that 2,000 IU a day of vitamin E supplementation, slows the progression of Alzheimer’s, but to date, no studies indicate that it can prevent the onset of the disease.

It is further suggested that vitamin E may protect against cancer by boosting immune system function. As in heart studies however, the results are mixed. One study suggests that women over 65, who consume diets rich in vitamin E foods, will have a lowered risk of developing colon cancer.⁵ On the other hand, another study of 2,000 adults who had already developed colon cancer showed that their intake levels of vitamin E were no different than those of healthy people.

Many creams and cosmetics contain vitamin E to promote wound healing. Vitamin e scar treatment has been found to be effective in reducing the visibility of scars and wrinkles.

Vitamin E oil is commonly used for burns, eczema and other skin problems. Some people add small amounts of the oil to their shampoo or body cream, adding shine to hair and moisture to the skin and scalp.

Vitamin E deficiency is quite rare but when it does occur it can lead to serious neurological damage. Since that tocotrienols may offer some heart related benefits as well, so in order to receive the maximum benefit from vitamin E, both the tocopherols and tocotrienols should be taken when vitamin e deficiency is detected.

Although reports show doses of up to 1,000 IU as being safe, it is always best to consult a health professional before taking large amounts because in some cases, antioxidants can actually turn into cancer-promoting pro-oxidants.

Too much vitamin E, doses over 800 IU per day, can interfere with blood clotting. The recommended daily oral dose of vitamin E is 200-400 IU per day. For heart disease or cancer prevention, the recommended dose is 800 IU per day. It is available either in tablet, softgel or capsules form or as an oil or cream.

Normally, vitamin E supplements are strictly tocopherols, like alpha-tocopherol. Interactions can occur with blood thinning agents, such as warfarin or with herbs like garlic and gingko. For this reason, it is also advised to stop vitamin E supplementation 2 days prior to any surgery. Some chemotherapy treatments are deigned to create free radicals in order to kill cancer cells, so vitamin E can potentially interfere in this process, as such, it is always best to consult a health practitioner if you are taking any medications before using supplements.

References:

1. Stampfer MJ, Hennekens CH, Manson JE, Colditz GA, Rosner B, Willett WC, “Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary disease in women”, N Engl J Med, 1993;328:1444-9.
2. Knekt P, Reunanen A, Jarvinen R, Seppanen R, Heliovaara M, Aromaa A, “Antioxidant vitamin intake and coronary mortality in a longitudinal population study”, Am J Epidemiol, 1994;139:1180-9.
3. “The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study Investigators, Vitamin E supplementation and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients”, N Engl J Med, 2000;342:154-60.
4. Leske MC, Chylack LT Jr., He Q, Wu SY, Schoenfeld E, Friend J, Wolfe J, “Antioxidant vitamins and nuclear opacities: The longitudinal study of cataract”, Ophthalmology, 1998;105:831-6.
5. Bostick RM, Potter JD, McKenzie DR, Sellers TA, Kushi LH, Steinmetz KA, Folsom AR, “Reduced risk of colon cancer with high intakes of vitamin E: The Iowa Women's Health Study”, Cancer Res 1993;15:4230-17.