Vitamin E

Alpha-tocopherol

Description: A fat soluble vitamin which can be found in wheat germ oil and other sources such as asparagus, avocados, berries, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes.

Properties: Acts as an antioxidant and protects against damage to cell membranes. A diet high in vitamin E can have a protective effect in many diseases including heart disease, cancer, strokes, viral infections.

Actions: It is a potent antioxidant and reduces fat oxidation and increases the production of HDL cholesterol. At higher doses, it reduces cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase activities which decreases production of prostaglandins and leukotreines. Thus, it acts as a potent anti-inflammatory drug.

Cautions: It will reduce platelet function and prolong the bleeding time slightly in healthy individuals. There is no known side-effects to vitamin E at levels less than 4000-6000 IU per day (except in cats, where levels greater than 100 IU/day can create hepatolipidosis).

Dose: Vitamin E is well tolerated even at high doses.