Vitamin E - Health Benefits

Introduction

This section describes the various essential functions and therapeutic effects of Vitamin E.

Aging & Life Extension

 Vitamin E (400 IU per day) may retard the progression of the Aging Process (by preventing the oxidation of Band 3 Protein (B3P) within Cell Membranes and the subsequent production of its toxic byproduct - Senescent Cell Antigen (SCA) - the oxidation of B3P to SCA is intricately linked to the progression of the Aging Process):  ^[1]

 Vitamin E may counteract (via its Antioxidant properties) the generation of Free Radicals in the Skin and may also counteract the subsequent acceleration of the Aging Process (Photoaging) caused by excessive exposure to Sunlight.  ^[2]

 Vitamin E may inhibit the Cross-Linking (glycosylation) of endogenous Proteins (one of the primary underlying mechanisms of the Aging Process).  ^[3]

 By helping to repair damage to the Mitochondria of Cells and by helping to repair damage to Mitochondrial DNA, oral Vitamin E may counteract the Aging Process (specifically the Mitochondrial DNA Theory of Aging).

 Vitamin E may possess Life Extension potential.  ^[4]

 Vitamin E may inhibit the age-related shortening of Telomeres.  ^[5]

Cardiovascular System

 Vitamin E - Cardiovascular Benefits

Cells

 Vitamin E is important for the stability of Cell Membranes (by protecting the Fatty Acids in the Phospholipids contained in Cell Membranes from oxidation):  ^[6]

 The most prevalent form of Vitamin E present in Cell Membranes is the Alpha-Tocopherol form.  The second most prevalent form is Gamma-Tocopherol.

 Vitamin E may facilitate the elimination of cellular waste from Cells.

 Vitamin E may inhibit the ability of Gamma-Rays to damage Chromosomes and cause Cell mutations.  ^[7]

 Vitamin E exerts Antioxidant effects that may protect the Membranes of the Mitochondria from the toxic effects of Free Radicals generated during Energy production in the Mitochondria:  ^[8]

 By helping to repair damage to Mitochondrial DNA, oral Vitamin E may counteract the Aging Process (specifically the Mitochondrial DNA Theory of Aging).

Detoxification

 Vitamin E may protect against the toxic side effects of Radiation Therapy and increases the effectiveness of Radiation Therapy in the treatment of Cancer:  ^[9]

 Vitamin E (400 IU per day combined with 1,200 mg of Pentoxifylline per day) may cause the regression of the Radiation Fibrosis that affects many people who receive Radiation Therapy.

 Vitamin E (2,000 IU per day) may counteract the cognitive impairment and Memory impairment associated with Radiation Therapy.

 Vitamin E neutralizes many of the Free Radicals generated during Surgery and may protect against the toxic effects of many of the chemicals employed in Anesthesia.  ^[10]

Digestive System

 Many Celiac Disease patients are found to be deficient in Vitamin E (indicating that supplemental Vitamin E may benefit Celiac Disease patients).  ^[11]

 Vitamin E exerts antioxidant effects that may reduce the production of Free Radicals in Colitis patients:  ^[12]

 Vitamin E may alleviate Ulcerative Colitis.  ^[13]

 Vitamin E may prevent (Cholesterol) Gallstones and may dissolve existing Gallstones.  ^[14]

 Vitamin E may inhibit the ability of Alcohol (ethanol) to damage the Gastric Mucosa.  ^[15]

 Vitamin E may alleviate Heartburn. 

 Vitamin E may alleviate Cramps - Intestinal. 

 Vitamin E (preferably a water-soluble form of Vitamin E) may alleviate the Pancreatic Insufficiency associated with Cystic Fibrosis.  ^[16]

 Vitamin E may help to prevent Pancreatitis.  ^[17]

Ears/Hearing

 Vitamin E may accelerate the healing of perforated Ear Drums.  ^[18]

 Vitamin E (800 IU per day) may help to reverse Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.  ^[19]

 Vitamin E (especially when combined with Vitamin A) may improve Hearing in Sensorineural Hearing Loss patients:  ^[20]

 Vitamin E (especially when combined with Vitamin A) may improve Hearing in Hearing Loss - Age-Related patients.  ^[21]

 Vitamin E may facilitate recovery from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.  ^[22]

Excretory System

 Vitamin E may be useful for the treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy in Diabetes Mellitus patients.  ^[23]

 Vitamin E may improve Kidney Function in Focal Glomerulonephritis patients.  ^[23]

 Vitamin E (combined with Selenium) may help to prevent Kidney Stones (by lowering elevated urinary excretion of Calcium and Oxalic Acid).  ^[25]

Eyes/Vision:  Ailments

 Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol form) may help to prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).  ^[26]

 Vitamin E may protect the Eyes from oxidative damage including Cataracts - the Retina of the Eye is more prone to degeneration when Vitamin E is deficient.  ^[27]