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RSSKnow more about Vitamin E
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In the world of vitamins and minerals, vitamin E occupies an important place. This is not just because this vitamin inhibits the signs of aging but also because it is helpful in the formation of red blood cells and allows the body to use vitamin K.
This vitamin is found naturally in some foods and added to others and even available as a dietary supplement. The vitamin exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol) that have different levels of biological activity. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant for protecting body tissues from damage caused by free radicals that can harm cells, tissues, and organs. Vitamin E is also effective in protecting the body against prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease besides allowing cells of the body to communicate effectively.
According to a research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, Orlando, FL, May 23, 2004, vitamin E is helpful in reducing the risk of developing bladder cancer by as much as 50 percent. It is also effective to prevent severe health complications such as diabetes, epilepsy, gout, acne, asthma, infertility in men, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and squamous cancer.
Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in many food products including wheat germ, corn, seeds, nuts, mustard greens, chard, sunflower seeds, turnip greens, almonds, olives, asparagus, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
Recommended intake of Vitamin E
The recommended intake of Vitamin E is as follows:
Infants
* 0 to 6 months: 4 mg/day
* 7 to 12 months: 5 mg/day
Children
* 1 to 3 years: 6 mg/day
* 4 to 8 years: 7 mg/day
* 9 to 13 years: 11 mg/day
Adolescents and Adults
* 14 and older: 15 mg/day
