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What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is the most effective, fat-soluble antioxidant known to exist in the human body. Vitamin E is actually a collective term for a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Naturally occurring vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol) that have varying levels of biological activity. Alpha- (or a-) tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements, and is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans. Of the eight naturally occurring forms of vitamin E, it appears that only naturally occurring alpha-tocopherol (commonly known as d-alpha-tocopherol) is maintained in the human blood circulation. Synthetic alpha-tocopherol is commonly known as dl-alpha-tocopherol. In terms of absorption and retention in the human body, the natural form of vitamin E is clearly superior over the other analogs. The name "tocopherol" was coined from the Greek words for childbirth (tos), to bring forth (phero), and the chemical designation for an alcohol (ol).

Vitamin E is largely used in skin creams and lotions for its role in stimulating skin healing and minimizing scarring after injuries such as burns. As one of the many nutrients that have protective properties, Vitamin E’s main function is to maintain the integrity of the body's intracellular membrane by shielding its physical stability and providing a defense line against tissue damage brought about by oxidation. Vitamin E is absorbed from the intestines, along with fat and bile salts, first into the lymph and then into the blood, which carries it to the liver to be used or stored. As a co-enzyme in cellular membranes, Vitamin E acts as a scavenger for free radicals that are destructive to the membrane and internal cellular components. Vitamin E in supplements is usually sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form that protects its ability to function as an antioxidant. The synthetic form is labeled "D, L" while the natural form is labeled "D".

Vitamin E is found naturally in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Antioxidants shield cells from the negative effects of free radicals, molecules that contain an unshared electron which can damage cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. These unshared electrons which are highly energetic rapidly react with oxygen yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS). The body forms ROS internally when it transforms food to energy, and antioxidants protect cells from the adverse effects of ROS. ROS are part of signaling mechanisms among cells. Environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun also expose the body to free radicals.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that limits and hinders the production of ROS synthesized when fat undergoes oxidation. Scientists are still studying how vitamin E and other mechanisms, by limiting free-radical production, might help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases involved with free radicals. In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E is linked in immune function and, as shown primarily by laboratory studies of cells, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes.

What is Vitamin E used for and who uses it?

The most critical role of vitamin E is to keep the integrity of the body's intracellular membrane by maintaining its physical stability and providing a defense line against tissue damage resulting from oxidation. Vitamin E has protective attributes because it can reduce oxidation of lipid membranes and the unsaturated fatty acids and can prevent the breakdown of other nutrients caused by oxygen. As an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage in cell membranes, Vitamin E helps to stabilize cell membranes and protect the tissues of the skin, eyes, liver, breast, and testes, which are more sensitive to oxidation. Because of this, products that contain vitamin E, when applied to the skin, can stimulate healing, protect cells from free-radical damage. and reduce itchiness. Many people use such products to ensure optimal skin health. The protective, nutritional antioxidant function of vitamin E also works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, glutathione (L-cysteine), and the mineral selenium.

By limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, Vitamin E helps protect against heart disease. It also assists in preventing the oxidation of lipoproteins, particularly in smokers, and in reducing the stickiness of platelets in the bloodstream. Vitamin E also keeps arteries flexible and elastic to allow blood to flow freely, and by blocking the conversion of cholesterol into the waxy fat deposits called plaque that stick to blood vessel walls, Vitamin E helps prevent arteries from clogging. Vitamin E also thins the blood to ensure smooth blood flow through arteries even when plaque is present, and it may also help prevent blood clot formation, one of the leading causes of heart attack. Vitamin C and vitamin E, taken in combination, help to stabilize LDL cholesterol in the body. Together, both help to significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

By boosting the immune system, antioxidants such as vitamin E can also help protect against the oxidative damage to DNA leading to cancer. Clinical evidence correlates a higher intake of vitamin E with a decreased occurrence of prostate cancer and breast cancer. By enhancing immune function, Vitamin E may protect against the development of cancers caused by free radicals. Cigarette smokers, who are at a higher risk of getting cancers of the mouth, upper airways and lungs, may benefit the most from vitamin E supplementation because it can protect smokers against these cancers through its antioxidant properties.

Vitamin E can also help prevent cataracts and age related macular degeneration owing to its antioxidant action. Aside from clouding vision, cataracts can increase the risk of disability and blindness in aging adults. Lens clarity, an indicator of cataracts, is significantly better in people who regularly supplement with vitamin E and in people with elevated blood levels of vitamin E. Uveitis, characterized by the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina (the uvea), is another condition for which the antioxidant vitamins C and E may be beneficial.

How pure is your Vitamin E?

This pharmaceutical grade d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate oil (more commonly referred to as Vitamin E or Alpha- (or a-) tocopherol) is assayed by the manufacturer as 95.6% pure product (normal range 95.5% and above). You will receive a double sealed and labeled bulk polyethylene bag containing this thick viscous amber oil product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 4.4% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Vitamin E deficiency is a very rare and often results in damage to nerves. However, such a deficiency affects the central nervous system and may result in progressive neuromuscular disease characterized by loss of reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of balance and impaired ability to coordinate voluntary movements (ataxia). Vitamin E deficiency may also lead to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, as well as an increased susceptibility to certain cancers. For these reasons, supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate intake.

What is the daily suggested dose of Vitamin E?

At present, the vitamin E content of foods and dietary supplements is listed on labels in international units (IUs), an indicator of biological activity rather than quantity. Naturally sourced vitamin E is called d-alpha-tocopherol; the synthetically produced form is dl-alpha-tocopherol. Conversion rules are as follows: To convert from mg to IU: 1 mg of alpha-tocopherol is equivalent to 1.49 IU of the natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol) or 2.22 IU of the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol). To convert from IU to mg: 1 IU of alpha-tocopherol is equivalent to 0.67 mg of the natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol) or 0.45 mg of the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol). For example, 15 mg x 1.49 IU/mg = 22.4 IU. The corresponding value for synthetic alpha-tocopherol would be 33.3 IU (15 mg x 2.22 IU/mg).

For both males and females aged 14 years and above, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol) is 15 mg (22.4 IU). You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Vitamin E here.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Vitamin E

The health risk of too much vitamin E is low. In people taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) though, doses of over 800 IU a day of vitamin E may interfere with the body's ability to clot blood. Because of the extremely concentrated nature of this product and the potential for toxic overdose we recommend that you not purchase or use this product without a thorough understanding of the safe and recommended dose for this product. You must also have the analytical skills necessary to measure your dose of this product accurately in order to purchase this product. If you do purchase this product you represent that you take full responsibility for measuring and dosing this product safely. The side effects of vitamin E excess go away relatively quickly after stopping the supplement.

Women who've just become pregnant should be careful with their usage of vitamin E supplements. High levels of vitamin E early in pregnancy may increase the risk of the baby being born with a heart defect. High levels of vitamin E may imbalance the oxidant / antioxidant state in embryonic tissues. Other possible mechanisms for the adverse effects of high vitamin E on the baby include modification of genes involved in embryonic heart development and inhibition of cellular enzymes involved in clearing away naturally occurring toxins.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Suggested preparation of Vitamin E

Non-water-soluble or fat-soluble supplements such as Vitamin E should be taken at meal time with fatty foods. Since vitamin E is fat soluble, it need not be taken daily.

Vitamin E is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Optimum Opti-Men, Universal Animal Pak, AST Multi Pro 32X, Optimum Opti-Women, Gaspari Nutrition Anavite, Cheap Supplements Vitamin E, Country Life Natural E-Complex, Nature's Science Natural E-Complex, NOW E-1000, Olympian Labs Vitamin E 400, Schiff Vitamin E Complex, Twinlab Super E Complex, Ultimate Nutrition Natural Vitamin E, Universal Vitamin E Formula

References & Further Research

Relation of the tocopherol forms to incident Alzheimer disease and to cognitive change High intake of vitamin E from food (tocopherol), but not from supplements (which usually contain -tocopherol), is inversely associated with Alzheimer disease. We examined whether food intakes of vitamin E, -tocopherol equivalents (a measure of the relative biologic activity of tocopherols and tocotrienols), or individual tocopherols would protect against incident Alzheimer disease and cognitive decline over 6 y. Higher intakes of vitamin E and -tocopherol equivalents were associated with a reduced incidence of Alzheimer disease in separate multiple-adjusted models that included intakes of saturated and trans fats and docosahexaenoic acid. - and -Tocopherol had independent associations. In separate mixed models, a slower rate of cognitive decline was associated with intakes of vitamin E, -tocopherol equivalents, and - and -tocopherols. The results suggest that various tocopherol forms rather than - tocopherol alone may be important in the vitamin E protective association with Alzheimer disease.

Cosupplementation with vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 reduces circulating markers of inflammation in baboons Inflammation and oxidative stress are processes that mark early metabolic abnormalities in vascular diseases. We explored the effects of a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet on vascular responses in baboons and the potential response-attenuating effects of vitamin E and coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ10) supplementation. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E alone reduces the baseline inflammatory status that is indicated by the CRP concentration in healthy adult baboons. Cosupplementation with CoQ10, however, significantly enhances this antiinflammatory effect of vitamin E.

Vitamin E for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying Vitamin E Bulk or Wholesale

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