The Numerous Benefits of Vitamin E on Skin

There is no question that vitamin E is an essential nutrient that we need to get on a daily basis. But not all supplements are created equal, and given the fact that there are eight forms of vitamin E, it doesn't hurt to do a little research before heading out to your local supplement store to buy the first vitamin E you see.  

Vitamin E is a group of eight different forms.  This can be further divided into the two subgroups tocopherols and tocotrienols.  As far as supplementation, d-alpha tocopherol has by far been the most used form over the past few decades. But current research points to information that proves we need all eight forms of vitamin E, not just one.

Tocopherol Acetate: What's in Your Vitamin E?

Furthermore, it indicates that the d-alpha form can be quite detrimental to our health if left unbalanced by the other forms. More specifically, d-alpha tocopherol in high doses will deplete levels of gamma tocopherol and decrease the efficacy of all of the tocotrienols.

Although d-alpha tocopherol is necessary to inhibit production of new free radicals, the gamma form is used to neutralize the ones that have already been produced.  The benefits associated with d-alpha are more pronounced when levels of  the gamma form are high. Gamma tocopherol is also more beneficial for inflammatory conditions. These associations are with cardiovascular disease and is also a superior antioxidant.

In fact, it is quite effective at preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  Researchers now know that cholesterol is only dangerous when oxidized.

Why Vitamin E Is Good for You

Tocotrienols are just now receiving the attention they deserve.  The last few years have seen researchers turning their attention to the tocotrienols more and more. Tocotrienols have proven to be better antioxidants than their tocopherol relatives. They move faster in cell membranes, shrink atherosclerotic plaque, kill cancer cells in vitro and inhibit tumor growth.  

Most companies have introduced new products that reflect the latest research on Vitamin E. Some of them contain just tocotrienols.  Others include tocopherols with high levels of the gamma form to counterbalance the d-alpha tocopherol.

It is also possible to buy all eight forms in one supplement. Some examples of these products would be Super Natural E from Vibrant Health, or FamilE from Jarrow Formulas. Some theories suggest that you take all eight forms of Vitamin E together.  On the other hand, some believe you should take tocopherols and tocotrienols at different times.