Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two forms each of alpha, beta, gamma, delta tocopherol and tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol is the form that is most active and is the only one that is maintained in the human body.
There is a synthetic and natural form of the vitamin. The synthetic, while quite effective, is only half as active as the natural form. The synthetic form is labeled with "D, L" and the natural form is labeled with a "D".
Vitamin E, especially when taken as supplements, is an antioxidant and helps protect the body against the effects of free radicals. The free radicals produced by energy metabolism in oxidation tend to damage the cell membranes, something that aging baby boomers are particularly susceptible to.
This is accomplished in large part by the fact that the part of the cell membranes that is fat is very susceptible to the damaging action of the free radicals. The fat-soluble character of the vitamin, specifically alpha-tocopherol,enables it to block and render harmless the effects of the free radicals against the cell membranes.
Alpha-tocopherol is most efficient as an antioxidant when taken in the form of dietary supplements. Research has shown that the vitamin is beneficial in either the prevention or delay of coronary heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol and certain types of cancer such as prostate, breast and colon cancer. The later was quoted as being "especially in women under 65 years of age". One study found that people who had taken vitamin E in the form of supplements for more than ten years "had a reduced risk of death from bladder cancer".
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University states the following:
Scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute feel there exists credible evidence that taking a supplement of 200 IU (134 mg) of natural source d-alpha-tocopherol (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) daily with a meal may help protect adults from chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and some types of cancer.
Other areas of impact concerning vitamin E and our baby boomer health include the immune system function, DNA repair by preventing potential damage to cells, cataract prevention due to improved lens clarity and nervous system dysfunction associated with a deficiency of the vitamin. Help in prevention of Alzheimer's Disease has been mentioned in many studies.
Aging baby boomers seem to be the group most largely affected by the use of the vitamin and/or the deficiency of it. Vitamin E deficiency is relatively uncommon in people but certain conditions may dictate the use of additional supplements.
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People who have certain diseases such as Crohn's Disease or Cystic Fibrosis may have an inability to absorb the vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract. This is due to the lack of dietary fat needed for the absorption. Zinc deficiency seems to decrease vitamin E levels in the body as well. One final area of concern for causing deficiency are those people who can't secrete enough bile to aid in fat digestion.
Foods that have the best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils including olive oil, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance by most organizations is 15 milligrams per day.
Specific to the Baby Boomers
The antioxidant ability helps protect the body against the effects of free radicals.
Heart disease prevention or delay is accomplished by its actions.
Cancer such as prostate, breast, colon and bladder have been shown to have been reduced in occurrence.
Alzheimer's Disease studies using vitamin E have shown help in prevention.
The immune system is greatly aided by its actions.
DNA repair is supported.
Cataract detection and prevention is supported.
The nervous system is supported by its actions.
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