Vitamin E binds reactive and harmful oxygen produced in the body by pollutants. It reduces the proliferation of certain cancer cells and stimulates the immune and anti-inflammatory response. It thins the blood, thereby preventing the risk of atherosclerosis. It prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protects cell membranes from free radicals.
Vitamin E possesses antioxidant properties. This vitamin is sensitive to light. To preserve it as best as possible, it is preferable to store foods rich in vitamin E away from light. The natural forms of vitamin E are tocopherols (alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and delta-tocopherol). Among the 4 tocopherols, alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most commonly found in the body. It is also the unit of measurement for recommended dietary allowances and the vitamin E content of foods. In supplementation or in certain fortified foods, synthetic forms of vitamin E are sometimes used. These are less bioavailable than natural vitamin E.
Recommended Nutritional Intake (per day)
Infants: 4 mg - Children 1 to 3 years: 6 mg - Children 4 to 9 years: 7 to 9 mg - Children 10 to 12 years: 11 mg - Adolescents and adults: 12 mg - Pregnant and lactating women: 15 mg - Over 75 years old: 20 mg
Synergia dietary supplements containing vitamin E
Régéderm: 10 mg of natural vitamin E in 1 capsule - mix-Alpha 3: 6 mg of natural vitamin E in 2 capsules - Pregnancy serenity: 15 mg of natural vitamin E in 1 capsule - bi-Ostéo: 10 mg of natural vitamin E in 1 capsule.
Natural sources of vitamin E
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning it is soluble in lipids. It is found in foods rich in polyunsaturated fats: wheat germ oil, olive oil, hazelnuts and almonds, egg yolk, margarine.
Sources of vitamin E per 100 g: Avocado: 2.3 g, wheat germ oil: 160 mg, walnut oil: 63 mg, sunflower oil: 60 mg, rapeseed oil: 30 mg, peanut oil: 25 mg, soybean oil: 20 mg, avocado: 2.3 g.
Increased needs for vitamin E
Prevention of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, prevention of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, sun exposure, pollution, stays at high altitudes.