Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Dr. Herbert Evans and Katherine Bishop in their research on reproduction in rats.
Further research continued and in 1936 Dr. Evans isolated alpha-tocopherol.
The following year he isolated beta tocopherol and gamma tocopherol
Vitamin E was proposed as an antioxidant in 1945.
In 1968, researchers proposed that vitamin E as an antioxidant that protected cell lipids from free radicals.

Vitamin E: General Facts

The human body can store vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin, in its fatty tissue.
The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your weight, age and any special health issues or concerns.
Measured in international units (IUs), the body needs at least 200 IUs of vitamin E each day.
Vitamin E consists of eight distinct antioxidant compounds. There are four tocopherols and four tocopherols with alpha, beta, delta and gamma in each group.
Alpha-tocopherols is the compound that is most active in the body.

Fact: Vitamin E is an Important Antioxidant

As an antioxidant vitamin E intercepts and neutralizes free radicals in the body.
It protects the body's tissues and cells from damage.
Antioxidants slow the body's aging process.

Fact: Vitamin E Has Many Benefits

In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is needed for the healthy functioning of many systems in the body. The health benefits of vitamin E include:

Helping with the production of red blood cells
Strengthening the immune system
Helping the body to process and use vitamin K
Improving blood circulation and overall circulatory system
Promoting normal blood clotting
Repairing tissue
Helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke
Reducing the risk and of Alzheimer's disease
Decreasing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Fact: Wheat Germ Oil is the Best Food Source of Vitamin E

In addition to wheat germ other foods that are rich in vitamin E include:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Cold pressed vegetable oils
- Margarine
- Peanut butter
- Whole grains
- Dark, leafy vegetables
- Olives
- Legumes
- Fortified cereals
Foods that contain an amount of vitamin E that is significant include:
- Brown Rice
- Eggs
- Cornmeal
- Milk
- Kelp
- Organ meats
Vitamin E is also found in certain herbs including:
- Alfalfa
- Dandelion
- Nettle
- Flax
- Bladderwrack
- Rose hips

Vitamin E Supplements

Many people do not get a sufficient amount of vitamin E from natural food sources. This is due to an improper diet which generally includes eating large amounts of processed food.

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Supplement Facts

Supplements are available in two forms - natural and synthetic.
Synthetic vitamin E has half the activity level, or functional value, of natural vitamin E.
Synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled D,L and natural forms are labeled D.
Vitamin E supplements are available in many forms including:
Capsule
Tablet
Liquid
Powder to mix with juice or powder or add to bars or gels
Injection

Fact: Too Much Vitamin E can be Harmful

Do not take vitamin E supplements before consulting with your doctor especially if you are taking any blood thinning medication. It can be very dangerous because Vitamin E acts like a blood thinner
Vitamin E can reach toxic levels since it is stored in the body. Make sure not to take mega doses of it. Never take amounts of vitamin E over 1200 IUs before checking with your doctor.
Do not take an iron supplement along with your vitamin E supplement. If you take both, take them at different times of the day. Iron in the form of ferrous sulfate, and other organic forms, will destroy vitamin E.
Anyone suffering from rheumatic heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid should never exceed the recommended dose of this vitamin.
Take a minimum amount of zinc along with your vitamin E each day. Check your vitamin E supplement as some brands have the zinc already in the vitamin.