Vitamin E - Protect your body with natural antioxidants

Vitamin E is a micronutrient and the umbrella term for various substances that perform similar functions in the body but differ in their chemical structure. Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins that can be stored in the body. It is stored in the fatty tissue and the adrenal glands. The two main groups are tocopherols and tocotrienols. These are each divided into further groups. In total there are 8 compounds, but the most important for humans is the a-tocopherol, which is found in 90% of the human organism. Unprocessed vitamin E is mainly found in vegetable oils.

More about vitamins and other micronutrients can be found in our Nutrients section.

Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect, which means it protects your body from harmful oxidation of free radicals. These accumulate in the metabolism and are responsible for the development of many diseases in the organism. Vitamin E works in the cell membrane and intercepts free radicals there. It therefore has a cell-stabilizing effect, as otherwise cell damage could occur. In addition, vitamin E is involved in various cell biological processes, resulting in the following effects:

• Anti-inflammatory: influences blood coagulation and the release of inflammatory cells
• Neuroprotective: Vitamin E is important for the development and maintenance of the nervous system and skeletal muscles.
• Anticarcinogenic: Can prevent or at least delay the mutation of cells and thus also diseases such as cancer.

The following are good sources of vitamin E:

• Wheatgerm Oil
• Maize-germ oil
• Sunflower seeds
• Sunflower oil
• Soybean oil
• Nuts, seeds and other vegetable oils

Healthy people are not at great risk of getting a Vitamin E deficiency. Our Vitamin E requirements are easily covered through a balanced diet containing the above mentioned foods.. The intake of fat is essential here, as Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and can therefore only be absorbed in conjuntion with fat.

Reasons for a deficiency despite a healthy diet:

1. Very low-fat or unbalanced diet
2. Chronic diseases that disrupt the absorption of dietary fats via the intestines. These include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease of the small intestine, chronic pancreatitis, short bowel syndrome or biliary tract diseases.

Complaints that may be experienced by those affected include disturbances in muscle and nerve function.

1. Build natural sources of fat into your diet. Nuts and seeds are high in fat and you only need a small amount to cover your needs.
2. For example, add a dash of olive oil to a salad dressing.
3. Sunflower seeds or other seeds or nuts are also good for a salad topping.
4. But don’t overdo it. Fat is high in calories and your vitamin E needs are quickly met. So avoid unnecessary fat intake. And be careful: not all fats are good.