Total Vitamin E Complex

Functions

Vitamin E is one of the body’s most important antioxidant nutrients. Eight structural isomers of alpha tocopherol are possible, but only the d-alpha tocopherol (RRR-alpha tocopherol) occurs in nature. The other seven isomers have less nutritional activity, and are present only in synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol). Vitamin E is the collective term for those eight compounds that have varying levels of vitamin E biological activity. Eight structural isomers of alpha-tocopherol are possible, but only the d-alpha-tocopherol (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) occurs in nature. The other seven isomers have less nutritional activity, and are present only in synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol). These eight fat soluble compounds include the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms of tocopherol and tocotrienol. The most biologically active of this group is alpha tocopherol. Both the tocopherols and tocotrienols are further divided into their alpha, beta, gamma, and delta isomers. These two groups of compounds are similar with respect to their structure, as they both have a chromanol ring and hydrophobic side chain. However, the difference arises in the structure of their side chains. Unlike tocopherols, tocotrienols have a side chain that contains double bonds. Although subtle, this difference imparts some unique biological activity to tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are found in various foods, but are particularly abundant in rice bran and palm oil. Like tocopherols, tocotrienols function as powerful antioxidants. In certain systems, there is evidence that tocotrienols may even possess greater antioxidant activity compared with tocopherols. In addition to their antioxidant function, tocotrienols have demonstrated the ability to reduce cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the hepatic enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. This finding has resulted in research investigating the ability of tocotrienols to effect cholesterol levels as well as other cardiovascular health parameters. Studies have shown that subjects with carotid atherosclerosis who consumed tocotrienols for 2 years had a reduction in amount of cholesterol-laden plaque in their carotid arteries compared with those who received a placebo. Other functions of tocotrienols that have been demonstrated include an ability to decrease the production of thromboxane B2, a potent inducer of platelet aggregation.

Westlake Laboratories Natural Vitamin E Complex 400 I.U. softgels contain only natural isomers of vitamin E, namely the four fat-soluble, natural compounds with similar chemical structure; including d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma, and d-delta tocopherols. Of these, alpha-tocopherol has the highest nutritional activity and one key antioxidant, especially valuable antioxidant in the cell membranes, Antioxidants protect healthy cells from oxidative and free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable chemicals formed in the body during metabolism and from exposure to environmental sources, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke. Free radicals are necessary for energy metabolism and immune function, but when an excessive number of free radicals are formed, they can attack healthy cells, especially their membrane lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This, in turn, is thought to degrade the structure and function of healthy cellular components. This, in turn, is thought to contribute to a number of degenerative diseases. Vitamin E prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids by trapping free radicals, which helps stabilize and protect cell membranes, especially red blood cells and tissues sensitive to oxidation, such as the lungs, eyes, and arteries. Vitamin E also protects the liver and other tissues from the free-radical damage of toxicants, such as mercury, lead, ozone, nitrous oxide, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, cresol, and various drugs. Related to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E is important for normal immune function, and many . Related to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E is important for normal immune function, and many studies show that it prevents lipid peroxidation of blood lipoproteins, such as LDL-cholesterol. Intestinal absorption of vitamin E is associated with fat absorption. Some dietary fat must be present for efficient vitamin E absorption to occur. Studies show that natural d-alpha-tocopherol is more efficiently absorbed and has significantly higher bioavailability than synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol. Once absorbed, vitamin E is transported into the circulatory system via chylomicrons, and then transferred to VLDL, LDL and HDL particles. Tissues slowly accumulate vitamin E from these plasma lipoproteins. Liver and adipose tissues have the highest concentrations, but muscle also accounts for a large proportion of vitamin E stores in the body. studies show that it prevents lipid peroxidation of blood lipoproteins, such as LDL-cholesterol. Intestinal absorption of vitamin E is associated with fat absorption. Some dietary fat must be present for efficient vitamin E absorption to occur. Studies show that natural d-alpha tocopherol is more efficiently absorbed and has significantly higher bioavailability than synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol. Once absorbed, vitamin E is transported into the circulatory system via chylomicrons, and then transferred to VLDL, LDL and HDL particles. Tissues slowly accumulate vitamin E from these plasma lipoproteins. Liver and adipose tissues have the highest concentrations, but muscle also accounts for a large proportion of vitamin E stores in the body.

Download the Total Vitamin E Complex heavy metal test »

Indications

Natural Vitamin E Complex 400 I.U. may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to increase their daily intake of vitamin E in its potent, natural form.

Formula

Each Softgel Capsule Contains:
Vitamin E ... 400 I.U.
(d-alpha tocopherol with mixed tocopherols including alpha, beta, delta and gamma tocopherols)

Each Softgel Capsule Contains: (#8501)
Total Tocotrienols ... 50 mg
(from rice bran oil)
Providing Approximately:
Alpha-tocotrienol ... 18 mg
Gamma-tocotrienol ... 27 mg
Other tocotrienols ... 5 mg
Vitamin E
(as d- Alpha-Tocopherol) ... 100 I.U.
Green Tea Catechins ... 50 mg
(as Polyphenon 60™)

Suggested Use

Adults take 1 softgel daily or as directed by physician.

Side Effects

No adverse effects have been reported. The safety of oral vitamin E has been demonstrated in doses as high as 3,200 I.U. per day.

References

Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Hernan MA, et al. Relation of consumption of vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids to risk for stroke among men in the United States. Ann Intern Med 1999;130:963-70.
Brigelius-Flohe R, Traber MG. Vitamin E: function and metabolism. Faseb J 1999;13:1145-55.
Davey PJ, Schulz M, Gliksman M, et al. Cost-effectiveness of vitamin E therapy in the treatment of patients with angiographically proven coronary narrowing (CHAOS trial).
Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study. Am J Cardiol 1998;82:414-7.
Devaraj S, Li D, Jialal I. The effects of alpha tocopherol supplementation on monocyte function. Decreased lipid oxidation, interleukin 1 beta secretion, and monocyte adhesion to endothelium. J Clin Invest 1996;98:756-63.
Hartmann A, Niess AM, Grunert-Fuchs M, et al. Vitamin E prevents exercise-induced DNA damage. Mutat Res 1995;346:195- 202.
Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7
Jacques PF. The potential preventive effects of vitamins for cataract and age- related macular degeneration. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1999;69:198-205.
Kimmick GG, Bell RA, Bostick RM. Vitamin E and breast cancer: a review. Nutr Cancer 1997;27:109-17.
Meydani SN, Meydani M, Blumberg JB, et al. Assessment of the safety of supplementation with different amounts of vitamin E in healthy older adults. Am J Clin Nutr 1998;68:311-8.
Miller JW. Vitamin E and memory: is it vascular protection? Nutr Rev 2000;58:109-11..
Abbey M. The importance of vitamin E in reducing cardiovascular risk. Nutr Rev 1995;53 Suppl.S28-S32.
Anderson LE, Sr., Myer RO, Brendemuhl JH, McDowell LR. Bioavailability of various vitamin E compounds for finishing swine. J Anim Sci 1995;73:490-495.
Beales PE, Williams AJK, Albertini MC, Pozzilli P. Vitamin E delays diabetes onset in the non-obese diabetic mouse. Horm Metab Res 1994;26:450-452.
Brown KM, Morrice PC, Duthie GG. Vitamin E supplementation suppresses indexes of lipid peroxidation and platelet counts in blood of smokers and nonsmokers but plasma lipoprotein concentrations remain unchanged. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:383-387.
Calzada C, Bizzotto M, Paganga G, et al. Levels of antioxidant nutrients in plasma and low density lipoproteins: A human volunteer supplementation study. Free Radic Res 1995;23:489-503.
Carpenter KLH, Cheeseman KH, Van der Veen C, Taylor SE, Walker MK, Mitchinson MJ. Depletion of alpha-tocopherol in human atherosclerotic lesions. Free Radic Res 1995;23:549-558.
Cheeseman KH, Holley AE, Kelly FJ, Wasil M, Hughes L, Burton G. Biokinetics in humans of RRR-a-tocopherol: The free phenol, acetate ester, and succinate ester forms of vitamin E. Free Radic Biol Med 1995;19:591-598.
Das S. Vitamin E in the genesis and prevention of cancer--A review. Acta Oncol 1994;33:615-619.
Dutta-Roy AK, Gordon MJ, Campbell FM, Duthie GG, James WPT. Vitamin E requirements, transport, and metabolism: Role of a-tocopherol-binding proteins. J Nutr Biochem 1994;5:562-570.
Felemovicius I, Bonsack ME, Baptista ML, Delaney JP. Intestinal radioprotection by vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Ann Surg 1995;222:504-510.
Flagg EW, Coates RJ, Greenberg RS. Epidemiologic studies of antioxidants and cancer in humans. J Am Coll Nutr 1995;14:419-427.
Friedrichson T, LeVan Kalbach H, Buck P, Van Kuijk FJGM. Vitamin E in macular and peripheral tissues of the human eye. Curr Eye Res 1995;14:693-701.
Hartmann A, Niess AM, Grünert-Fuchs M, Poch B, Speit G. Vitamin E prevents exercise-induced DNA damage. Mutat Res Lett 1995;346:195- 202.
Hodis HN, Mack WJ, LaBree L, et al. Serial coronary angiographic evidence that antioxidant vitamin intake reduces progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. JAMA 1995;273:1849-1854.
Holvoet P, Collen D. Oxidized lipoproteins in atherosclerosis and thrombosis. FASEB J 1994;8:1279-1284.
Jialal I, Fuller CJ, Huet BA. The effect of a-tocopherol supplementation on LDL oxidation: A dose-response study. Arterioscler Thromb 1995;15:190-198.
Knekt P, Reunanen A, Järvinen R, Seppänen R, Heliövaara M, Aromaa A. Antioxidant vitamin intake and coronary mortality in a longitudinal population study. Am J Epidemiol 1994;139:1180-1189.
Knekt P, Heliovaara M, Rissanen A, Aromaa A, Aaran RK. Serum antioxidant vitamins and risk of cataract. BMJ 1992;305:1392-1394.
Konikoff F. The therapeutic benefit of vitamin E in patients with liver disease. J Hepatol 1994;21:687-688.
Luostarinen R, Wallin R, Wibell L, Saldeen T. Vitamin E supplementation counteracts the fish oil-induced increase of blood glucose in humans. Nutr Res 1995;15:953-968.
Meydani SN, Meydani M, Rall LC, Morrow F, Blumberg JB. Assessment of the safety of high-dose, short-term supplementation with vitamin E in healthy older adults. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60:704-709.
Odeleye OE, Watson RR. The potential role of vitamin E in the treatment of immunologic abnormalities during acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Prog Food Nutr Sci 1991;15:1-19.
Paolisso G, Gambardella A, GI.U.gliano D, et al. Chronic intake of pharmacological doses of vitamin E might be useful in the therapy of elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:848-852.
Princen HMG, Van Duyvenvoorde W, Buytenhek R, et al. Supplementation with low doses of vitamin E protects LDL from lipid peroxidation in men and women. Arterioscler Thromb 1995;15:325-333.
Reiter RJ. Oxidative processes and antioxidative defense mechanisms in the aging brain. FASEB J 1995;9:526-533.
Traber MG, Ramakrishnan R, Kayden HJ. Human plasma vitamin E kinetics demonstrate rapid recycling of plasma RRR-a-tocopherol. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1994;91:10005-10008.
Wang Y, Watson RR. Potential therapeutics of vitamin E (tocopherol) in AIDS and HIV. Drugs 1994;48:327-338.
Wang Y, Huang DS, Liang B, Watson RR. Nutritional status and immune responses in mice with murine AIDS are normalized by vitamin E supplementation. J Nutr 1994;124:2024-2032.
Wang Y, Watson RR. Is vitamin E supplementation a useful agent in AIDS therapy? Prog Food Nutr Sci 1993;17:351-375.
Winklhofer-Roob BM, Ziouzenkova O, Puhl H, et al. Impaired resistance to fibrosis: improvement during vitamin E supplementation. Free Radic Biol Med 1995;19:725-733.
Yau TM, Weisel RD, Mickle DAG, et al. Vitamin E for coronary bypass operations: A prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1994;108:302-310.
Elson CE. Tropical oils: nutritional and scientific issues. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1992;31:79-102.
Kamat JP, Devasagayam TP. Tocotrienols from palm oil as potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in rat brain mitochondria. Neurosci Lett 1995;195:179-82.
Kooyenga D, Geller M, Watkins T. Palm oil antioxidant effects in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis - 2 year experience. Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr 1997;6:72-75.
Mo H, Elson CE. Apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in human and murine tumor cells are initiated by isoprenoids. J Nutr 1999;129:804-13.
Qureshi AA, Bradlow BA, Brace L, et al. Response of 1995;30:1171-7.
Serbinova E, Tsuchiya M, Goth S. 1993. Antioxidant action of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol in membranes. In Vitamin E in Health and Disease, eds. L. Packer, J. Fuchs, 235-241. New York: Marcel Dekker
Tomeo AC, Geller M, Watkins TR, et al. Antioxidant effects of tocotrienols in patients with hyperlipidemia and carotid stenosis. Lipids 1995;30:1179-83.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We at Westlake labs take heavy metal contamination seriously and thus test our products routinely to assure quality. We offer a survey compared to big box store brands randomly obtained over the last year.