VitaminE

Vitamin E has been hailed by researchers as one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man. It possesses a higher potency as the natural d-alpha tocopherol form. Its antioxidant properties are used in the body to protect every cell from dangerous free radicals( harmful products of metabolism in the body and from the environment e.g. smoking, stress, pollution). Research has indicated that it may help keep a healthy heart by protecting polyunsaturated fats in the body from being oxidised into saturated fats thus protecting all membranes including those in the lungs and blood vessels. A recent analysis from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio suggests that Vit E, infact does not significantly reduce the risk of heart disease compared to control treatment. (Lancet 2003:361:2017.)

A study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA) also casts doubts on the safety and effectiveness of vitamin E supplements and other antioxidants.The study was designed to examine whether vitamin E pills protect against heart attacks and cancer. The JAMA study involved 7,030 patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease other than heart failure.

Patients 55 and older who took about 400 milligrams of vitamin E every day for about seven years on average were 13 percent more likely to develop heart failure than those on dummy pills. Heart failure was diagnosed in 641 vitamin E patients, compared with 578 patients in the placebo group.

The dosage was typical of vitamin E pills widely available at health food stores and pharmacies but well above the recommended 15 milligrams daily for adults, which can be obtained from food.

The study "effectively closes the door" on the theory that high doses have a major protective effect against cancer and narrowing of the arteries, University of Washington health specialists Dr. B. Greg Brown and John Crowley said in an editorial.

The study found no differences in the incidence of or deaths from breast, colon, prostate, oral and gastrointestinal cancer.

It is recommended

	during the menopause
	for a healthy skin
	to help a healthy reproductive system

People with high blood pressure should inform their doctor that they are taking vitamin E and also build up to the recommended dose gradually. Recent studies show that warfarin activity is unchanged in people taking it in combination with vitamin E. Prior to this it was believed that the anticoagulant effect could be Potentiated by the combination.