Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body.
It is actually two sets of four compounds each, the tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and the chemically related tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta).
Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. It is the major lipid soluble found in cells.
The alpha-tocopherol form is the one found in the largest quantities in human blood and tissue. Small amounts of the gamma from are also found.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect body cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Vitamin E serves as one of the body’s chief defenses against damage by free radicals.
Most notably, vitamin E prevents the oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, but is protects other lipids and related components (e.g. vitamin A) as well.
Research and the clinical experiences of physician show beyond a doubt that vitamin E is good for the heart. The role of vitamin E as a heart protector has been building for decades.
However, of low vitamin E intake may enhance the effect of selenium deficiency, which is associated with increased risk of fatal cancer.
Vitamin E as antioxidant
