Vitamin E, a fat soluble nutrient, has eight isoforms: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols and tocotrienols. Commonly “Vitamin E” is used synonymously with alpha tocopherols, but that excludes the 7 additional isoforms of E! This has caused confusion in translating research when “vitamin E” is used to translate findings specific to alpha tocopherols. Foods are generally either high in the 4 tocotrienols or the 4 tocopherols. Alpha tocopherols can inhibit the absorption of tocotrienols so be mindful to separate out doses of each by at least 6 hours.
General benefits of the vitamin E family:
1. Lubricant to all mucus membranes
2. Anti-scarring effect
3. Anti-coagulant/blood thinning effect – Caution if you are already taking anticoagulants
4. Strong antioxidants – live within and protect all cell membranes
5. Promote T cell immunity
Vitamin E spectrum health applications:
Dry mucus membranes (dry eyes)
Improved blood perfusion (Raynaud’s, CVD, ED)
Scarring/sclerosed tissues/adhesions (Fatty Liver disease – protective against progression liver cirrhosis)
Nerve health (CNS – cognition, balance; PNS – peripheral neuropathy, muscle strength, post herpetic neuralgias, inflamed nerves – Bell’s Palsy, TGN)
Eye health – cataracts, macular degeneration
Breast tenderness – cyclical mastalgia
DMII
Heart disease – preventing LDLs from oxidizing
Protective against DNA damage – protective against many types of cancers/decrease cancer risks
TOCOPHEROLS
Gamma form – helps balance TNF-alpha
Gamma and delta form particularly effective against reactive nitrogen species (NOS)
TOCOTRIENOLS
Help increase bone formation
Lower total cholesterol and decrease total LDLs
decrease cytokines
Modulate adhesions formation in the body
*FUN FACT – Vitamin C helps recycle oxidized vitamin E back to reduced vitamin E
Food sources:
Tocopherols: Nuts + seeds: sunflower seeds, peanut, walnut, sesame, almonds, hazelnuts, olive oil, avocados, chard, broccoli,
Tocotrienols: annato beans, wheat, barley, corn, rice bran
Risk of deficiency:
Fat malabsorption, low bile acids, low pancreatic enzymes, low fat diets
Supplements:
TOCOPHEROLS:
Unique E – Mixed tocopherol concentrate (AC grace)
Gamma E Toco complex (protocol fo life balance)
DEVA Nutrition makes a plant based 400Iu Vitamin E (mostly alpha tocopherol, some mixed tocopherol)
TOCOTRINOLS
Unique E tocopherols (AC grace)
Annato E Synergy (designs for health)
More learning:
Tocotrienols: Vitamin E beyond tocopherols
PW DISPENSARY:
10% discount on all items in the dispensary, always!
For help, call 855-935-5382
A BIT ABOUT NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Hello from Dr. Patti Kim + Dr. Angela Agrios! We are both California Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) who have been practicing for 15+ years. Naturopathic Medicine integrates conventional and natural medicine principles and practices.
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This content is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Angela Agrios, Dr. Patti Kim nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
