Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that acts as an anti-oxidant which neutralizes free radical activity. Free radicals are those harmful compounds responsible for knocking holes in the walls of your body cells which lead to cell aging and eventual destruction. It is thought that this is a prelude to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Where is Vitamin E found?
Vitamin E is found in foods such as nuts, leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils and fortified cereals.
Factors which increase our chances of being deficient in Vitamin E
From the start, it must be stated that deficiency in Vitamin E is a rare occurence. People with a Vitamin E deficiency have neurological problems. Having said that people that are likely to have deficiencies in Vitamin E are :
- those on a low fat diet - because Vitamin E is fat soluble and the fact that it is in most vegetable oils, people on a low fat diet may in fact end up with a Vitamin E deficiency.
- those who have problems absorbing fats present in their diets eg those suffering from Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis.
Can I have too much Vitamin E?
The risk of getting too much Vitamin E is low, however having said that, the long term safety of taking supplements have not been verified in studies.
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Vitamin E
