March 9, 2000 – Much research suggests that daily supplementation of 100 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin E helps prevent strokes, cataracts and Alzheimer’s disease, strengthens the immune system, decreases the risk of prostate cancer and several other diseases. This broad spectrum of action is explained by the fact that vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which protects cell membranes. But are the natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E equivalent? Here are the facts.
Is Natural Vitamin E Better?
Research shows that natural vitamin E, which is typically extracted from soybean oil, is twice as good in tissue as its synthetic form, a byproduct of petroleum. But research comparing the two forms shows that they both have beneficial results.
However, since the body prefers natural vitamin E, future research may show that it works better. Logic would therefore order to prefer natural vitamin E, even if the synthetic form is also beneficial.
Take a double dose of synthetic vitamin E?
The unit of measure for vitamin E, the IU, partly explains the difference in assimilation between the two forms of vitamin E. In fact, to equal 400 IU of natural vitamin E, you need to take 668 IU of synthetic vitamin E. . As supplements often come in 100 IU capsules, it is easy to adjust the dose.
But how do you know if you are buying natural or synthetic vitamin E? Many synthetic vitamin E supplements are labeled “natural” if they contain a fraction of the natural form. The only way to know what you are taking is by looking at the ingredient list. If the term begins with d-alpha this is the natural form; if it’s dl-alpha, it is the synthetic form. If the product is mixed or simply labeled “vitamin E”, assume that it is mostly the synthetic form.
Natural vitamin E is generally more expensive than its synthetic form, but since it is more easily absorbed, the price differences are relatively small.
The best dietary sources of vitamin E are wheat germ oil, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, egg yolks, and green leafy vegetables, however it is impossible to reach them. doses found in supplements only through diet.
HealthPassport.net
According to Prevention, April 2000
