Vitamin E Purchasing Made Easy

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that takes shape in the form of eight isomers: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol, each with varying levels of biological activity. Vitamin Es efficacy was brought into question in the SELECT, HOPE, and HOPE-TOO studies when researchers found supplementation did not prevent prostate cancer or decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest pain or cardiovascular disease (CVD) death; however, the nutrient is experiencing a renaissance as scientists look to harness its antioxidant properties in new ways.

Tocopherols, having endured a negative string of publicity after the SELECT studys publication (2008), were most recently spotlighted for their ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Both topical and oral administrations were found to have anticarcinogenic, photoprotective and skin barrier stabilizing properties. Further, researchers found applying tocopherol prior to UV exposure significantly reduced erythema, edema, sunburn, wrinkling and skin tumors. Tocopherols have also been shown to improve the heart health of former smokers, contributing to lower levels of inflammation-related proteins as well as an increase in vascular function.

Tocotrienols, perhaps the less-publicized sect of vitamin E, are becoming the categorys rising stars due to recent studies pointing to anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, and efficacy in preventing the brain from stroke-induced injuries such as brain cell death.

In all, vitamin E is a flexible nutrient in both benefits and application, appropriate in most finished product applications from soft gels to tablets to topical ointments.

Read this full article in INSIDER's Vitamin E Buyers Guidebook.