Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that stops the production of ROS formed when fat undergoes oxidation

 

Vitamin E is actually a family of eight antioxidant compounds.  Vitamin E prevents cell damage, protects other fat soluble vitamins, and protects low-density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) from oxidation.  This vitamin is essential for normal calcium metabolism.  Vitamin E has is also known to inhibit blood clotting and has other functions related to the activity of the immune system.  The most common form of Vitamin E supplement is the gamma-tocopherol form.  However, this form is not taken up by the body in any quantity because the liver selectively incorporates alpha-tocopherol into the blood.  Still the gamma form may have some unique benefits in suppressing colon cancer.  Vitamin E deficiency may result in damage to red blood cells and to nerves.  Signs of deficiency include infertility in men and women, menstrual problems, neuromuscular impairment, shortened red blood cell lifespan, miscarriage and uterine degeneration.  People with impaired balance and coordination and/or damage to the retina may also be deficient.  People with severe malnutrition, fat malabsorption problems, may have Vitamin E deficiencies as well.  Use caution when taking and anticoagulant medication, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatic heart disease or an overactive thyroid when taking supplemental Vitamin E.