Diet gun

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it requires fat for proper absorption and is stored in adipose tissue and the liver.

It consists of eight compounds, but only alpha tocopherol is the most absorbable form, and mainly its natural form as it is more absorbable than its synthetic form.

The role of vitamin E is mainly to combat free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that are created in the body as a byproduct of physiological processes or come from external factors such as smoking.

The excess of free radicals that the body cannot eliminate results in oxidative stress, that is, the disruption of the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the ability of our body to inactivate and eliminate these toxic molecules and repair the damage they cause.

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting and repairing cells from oxidative damage and enhancing the immune system response, helping to regulate and function one of the functions responsible for fighting infections.

Adequate intake of vitamin E, alone or in combination with other antioxidants, reduces the likelihood of developing chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration, protects our skin from excessive exposure to the sun (UV radiation), reduces the likelihood of developing bladder cancer, especially in men, protects against prostate cancer by preventing the proliferation of cancer cells without damaging healthy cells in the gland, helps in the formation of red blood cells, prevents muscle stiffness in athletes.

Vitamin E deficiency in the body is rare and usually occurs due to disorders of the body that result in fat malabsorption (celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, biliary and liver diseases, parasitic diseases). Symptoms of its deficiency are not clear and may include lack of coordination, a weak immune system, poor balance, and muscle weakness.

Natural sources with high vitamin E content are:

1. Sunflower seeds

2. Almonds

3. Hazelnuts

4. Walnuts

5. Spinach

6. Olive oil

7. Kiwi

8. Mango

9. Pomegranate

10. Avocado

11. Salmon

12. Trout

Vitamin E is also available in supplement form in maintenance doses as well as therapeutic doses.

Vitamin E, as a supplement, like all fat-soluble vitamins, is absorbed much better when taken with food containing fat.

Vitamin E in supplement form should be avoided in case of taking blood thinners and in certain chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy regimens as it may negatively affect their effectiveness.