Vitamin E, tocopherol, belongs to a group of fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins are stored in the body longer than the second group of vitamins that are soluble in water (mainly group B vitamins and vitamin C). Fat-soluble vitamins (except vitamin E, which also includes a Vitamin A, D and K) are stored mainly in adipose tissue and liver. Vitamin E may also be found in the heart, muscle, testes, uterus, blood, adrenal glands, even in the pituitary gland.
Vitamin E is actually the collective name for a group of substances known collectively as tocopherols. There are four forms - alpha, beta, gamma and delta. The most effective and therefore most used is the alpha-form. Vitamin E has significant antioxidative propertiesThis means that prevents the formation of toxic oxidation products and oxygen free radicals, which have a negative effect on the body. Some sources state that protects against toxins from cigarette smoke and other pollutants. Scientists still are exploring whether vitamin E can help fight against diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis and related to the effects of free radicals.
U atherosclerosis can help prevent it (thickening of the walls of arteries due to deposits of fat and minerals). Blood contains a specific carrier for substances such as cholesterol and fatty acids, which are called lipoproteins. One of them, LDL, increases the risk of atherosclerosis when oxidized by free radicals. Vitamin E may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, mainly because that protects against LDL oxidation. Vitamin E and its effect against free radicals helps prevent heart disease. In the fight against these diseases also helps the fact that it plays a role in preventing blood clots. This could play a positive role in preventing myocardial, Angina pectoris, or even a stroke.
Furthermore, this effect also strengthens the immune system. Vitamin E is used as an adjunct medication for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but the vitamin itself, the disease can not heal. Vitamin E is used in this disease due to violation of nerve cells in the brain of a serious illness that can be caused by free radicals. Doctors also recommend as a supplement in the treatment of female Infertility. Vitamin E occurs in foods mainly in wheat germ. It is also found in vegetable oils, nut kernels, some seeds (such as almonds and sunflower kernels) and leafy vegetables.
Deficiency of vitamin E can lead to anemia (reduction of hemoglobin in the blood), metabolic disorders and muscle and nerve disorders of capillary permeability (permeability). Some symptoms include lack of eyesight, flabby - dry skin, fatigue, decreased performance, inflammation in the digestive tract, infertility, heart disease, age spots nervous irritability, weakening of concentration skills and poor wound healing. Compared with other fat-soluble vitamins Vitamin E is not toxic. Most adults tolerate high doses of several hundred milligrams without difficulty, although some people may suffer from headaches, nausea or diarrhea.
People taking anticoagulants should not receive such high doses, it might increase the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding into tissues) and patients with venous thrombosis. For the same reason should not be taken about two days before and two days after surgery. Vitamin E should also not be used by women during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin E damaging and destroying the inorganic iron salts, because these substances can enjoy together. This recommendation does not apply to organic ferrous salts.