Reading the Label on Your Bottle of Vitamins May Be the Smartest Thing You Do Today

Why Reading the Label on Your Bottle of Vitamin E May Be the Smartest Thing You Do Today

Vitamin E is known to promote heart, respiratory, brain, prostate and breast health.* And yet, almost all vitamin E supplements today are synthetic forms that may cause more harm than good. So, if the label on your bottle of vitamin E doesn’t have the words, “independently assayed to guarantee 100% natural-source high-potency vitamin E” … I recommend you switch to USANA.

You’ll be glad you did.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Vitamin E is one of the most popular supplements, and for good reason -- it is an amazing supplement.

I have been so convinced of the importance of vitamin E that I've been taking it for over 30 years. Vitamin E is an indispensable member of the body's antioxidant system.

* But that's not all. Vitamin E has other functions, some completely unrelated to its role as an antioxidant. In addition to its powerful antioxidant properties,* vitamin E: Promotes heart health.
* Promotes respiratory health.
* Helps with normal PMS symptoms.
* Supports circulation.
* Supports prostate and breast health.
* Is good for your brain.
* May help hot flashes in menopausal women.

* Discovered in 1922, it is only in the last decade that the public began to be educated about the critical fact that vitamin E is not a single compound, but a general name for a whole family of compounds. Eight forms of vitamin E have been identified as existing in nature. While all forms of vitamin E are active antioxidants inside our bodies,
* these isomers belong either to a sub-family of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) or a sub-family of four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta). The major difference between the tocotrienols and the tocopherols is that the tail is saturated in the case of the tocopherols, but is polyunsaturated in the case of the tocotrienols. As with the fatty acids, a polyunsaturated structure means that the molecule is more reactive and more fluid. This means, for example, that alpha tocotrienol would be much more protective of cell membranes than alpha tocopherol. Research is beginning to focus on specific tocopherols and tocotrienols, rather than on just "vitamin E," and studies are emerging that suggest tocotrienols, found in palm, rice bran and barley oils, could be the most important part of vitamin E. And a form of vitamin E called full-spectrum vitamin E, which contains a mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols may be needed to promote health and provide maximum benefits.
* I believe that, ideally, vitamin E should be consumed in the broader family of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols -- and that's why I am now recommending a phenomenal mixed form of vitamin E from USANA called USANA HEALTH PAK (Blend of Vitamins/Minerals). USANA HEALTH PAK (Blend of Vitamins/Minerals) is an exclusive blend of all 8 forms (full spectrum) of natural source tocopherols and tocotrienols providing the antioxidant benefits of the entire family of vitamin E.

* USANA HEALTH PAK (Blend of Vitamins/Minerals) provides 400 IU of vitamin E as d-alpha tocopherol, with the benefits of beta, delta, and substantial gamma tocopherols -- plus their 4 corresponding tocotrienols. Getting to know all the compounds in the vitamin E family of tocopherols and tocotrienols is necessary to choose the right vitamin E product and get the full benefits of this superior antioxidant and nutrient.
* Important Facts You Should Know About Vitamin E Vitamin E is essential to life -- we cannot live without it. How much vitamin E is enough? Prominent researchers believe that to perform at its best, the body needs more than the US Daily Value (DV) of 30 IU vitamin E daily and the average American diet supplies considerably less than this amount. According to renowned international researcher Dr. Evan Shute, a physician recognized for his over 30 years of work with vitamin E, average healthy females should have 400 IU a day, and average healthy males 600 IU a day. Vitamin E should be taken at mealtime -- it is absorbed better when taken with meals rather than an on an empty stomach. Inorganic Iron can DESTROY vitamin E. According to the Shute Institute, the two should be separated in the stomach by an 8-9 hour interval. However, organic iron, found in spinach, and other iron rich foods can be taken at the same time as vitamin E. Some vitamin E labels are misleading to the consumer.

Some marketed vitamin E products labeled "natural" have been tested and found to contain either all synthetic vitamin E or only part natural vitamin E. You should choose labels that print the following: Independently Assayed to Guarantee 100% Natural-Source High-Potency Vitamin E. Natural & Synthetic Vitamin E: Your Body Knows the Difference!

Natural vitamin E is the single molecular configuration that occurs in nature. Synthetic vitamin E is a mixture of 8 molecular configurations, 7 of which occur when made by man. The vitamin E most often referred to and sold in stores is a synthetic form of vitamin E called dl-alpha-tocopherol -- but I do not recommend this type of vitamin E. Dr. Graham Burton, associated with the National Research Council of Canada, studied the body's response to natural vitamin E compared to synthetic vitamin E.

The study strongly indicates your body prefers natural vitamin E, showing that it is retained in your body many times longer than the synthetic vitamin E, with specific results showing:
5.3 times more natural vitamin E in the brain. .
6 times more natural vitamin E in red blood cells.
2.6 times more natural vitamin E in the lungs.
2.4 times more natural vitamin E in the plasma
1.9 times more natural vitamin E in the heart
1.7 times more natural vitamin E in the muscles.

Why does your body prefer natural vitamin E? Research scientist Maret Traber's work indicates that the liver preferentially recycles the natural form of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), causing the excretion of synthetic forms of other tocopherols. Some researchers have questioned whether special configurations of tocopherol found only in synthetic vitamin E are actually a hindrance to the body because they tie up receptor sites, stopping the naturally occurring form of vitamin E from acting. This is like someone putting the wrong key into a lock. The right key cannot open the lock if the wrong key is in it.

Alpha Tocopherol: Vitamin E's Team Captain By far the most popular form, alpha tocopherol has become synonymous with vitamin E. This specific tocopherol has incredible antioxidant benefits

* and has, in the past, shifted much of the research away from the other seven forms of vitamin E. Alpha tocopherol became synonymous with vitamin E for two main reasons: it is the most abundant of the eight in our body, and because it is by far the most effective of the eight for what we once thought was its main function -- to support reproduction.
* The differences of the eight members of the vitamin E family are a really big deal. Some of the eight members of the vitamin E family share similar functions and others have functions that are completely different. Also, where they go in our body is different especially for alpha tocopherol versus the others. This is because our body has a mechanism to tell alpha tocopherol from the others. The groups work better as a team than the alpha tocopherol does alone. Gamma Tocopherol: Another of Vitamin E's Health Promoters
*
Our food contains all eight compounds of vitamin E, but gamma tocopherol is actually the most commonly occurring natural form of vitamin E in the American diet. Gamma tocopherol in particular also has the ability to protect against nitrogen-based free radicals, which alpha tocopherol cannot do.
* Nitrogen free radicals play an important role in aging, keeping you from your optimal health. Gamma tocopherol is one of the mixed tocopherols you won't find in most supplements, but you will find a significant amount of it in USANA HEALTH PAK (Blend of Vitamins/Minerals). Four years ago there was a groundbreaking study that showed gamma tocopherol supports prostate health.
* This is the first study that showed that gamma tocopherol keeps normal cells complete.
* The typical vitamin E supplement only contains alpha tocopherol, which currently does not appear to have any of these immune system-supporting properties.
* The latest research places special emphasis on the newly discovered benefits of gamma tocopherol. Since taking large doses of alpha tocopherol depletes plasma levels of gamma tocopherol, the health-conscious consumer who takes only alpha tocopherol supplements needs to seriously reconsider this practice. One study found that women who consumed most vitamin E from food sources experienced support in breast health, compared to women with the lowest consumption.* Since gamma tocopherol is most predominant in food sources, when total vitamin E intake was considered, including supplements (presumably supplying solely alpha tocopherol), the effect on breast health was not as great.
* A thorough review of findings about gamma tocopherol has appeared in an issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. After reviewing scores of studies, the authors conclude that it is high time to abandon the outdated view that only alpha tocopherol is important, and to conduct more research on gamma tocopherol. Its important to note that supplementation with alpha tocopherol is not harmful. There are many studies confirming the health benefits of alpha tocopherol.
* But, there is also strong reason to believe that taking high doses of alpha tocopherol without balancing it with adequate gamma tocopherol (and possibly other tocopherols and tocotrienols) is less than optimal.

Promising news suggests that gamma tocopherol also supports a healthy immune response.*

The authors of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study found that both gamma tocopherol and its water-soluble metabolite support a healthy immune response, but alpha tocopherol did not have the same effect at the same concentrations.* Gamma tocopherol may also help support colon health.*

And there is more to consider -- because the way that the human body eliminates excess gamma tocopherol is by using the biliary route. In bile, the ratio of gamma tocopherol to alpha tocopherol is several times higher than the plasma ratio. This suggests that excess gamma tocopherol secreted into feces during supplementation may play a role in promoting colon health.
* Another way which gamma tocopherol helps promote immune system health may be its ability to inhibit protein kinase C activity.
* Both alpha tocopherol and delta tocopherol also share this same ability.
* Plasma levels of gamma tocopherol decline with age, but not alpha tocopherol levels.

The authors of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition review also point out that regular consumption of nuts, an excellent source of gamma tocopherol, has been associated with heart health and cardiovascular health.

* Gamma tocopherol is abundant in nuts such as walnuts and pecans, and in the legume peanuts. Since in addition to gamma tocopherol nuts provide short-chain omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, fiber and other nutrients, this is one healthy way to increase your gamma tocopherol. Plus, most health food stores now offer walnuts and pecans in bulk at very affordable prices. Corn oil, soybean oil and sesame oil are all rich sources of gamma tocopherol. But, when it comes to commercially available seed oils, the problem is toxic trans-fatty acids and excess omega-6 fatty acids. Both trans-fatty acids and excess omega-6 fatty acids have been found to promote various types of degenerative disorders. Therefore, I do not recommend these oils as a source of gamma tocopherol. To further explore the benefits of this powerful antioxidant,* we will require more human studies using gamma tocopherol supplementation. We still know little about gamma tocopherol's probable synergy with other antioxidants.
* However, what has become clear is that gamma tocopherol is now beginning to get the attention it deserves. Why Tocotrienol Supplementation Can Be Key to Your Health
* Anyone looking for an effective antioxidant should consider taking tocotrienols.
* Most vitamin E supplements contain only alpha-tocopherol whereas palm based tocotrienols contain tocotrienols, phytosterols (proven to promote cholesterol health*), squalene (a powerful antioxidant*) and carotenoids. Recent research suggests that a combination of all these phytonutrients may be highly effective in the overall maintenance of health.
* While vitamin E is generally regarded as the most important fat-soluble antioxidant, alpha tocotrienol has been shown to be 40 to 60 times more effective than alpha tocopherol in thwarting oxidative deterioration of lipids.
* Even more effective, delta tocotrienol is by far the most powerful antioxidant of the entire vitamin E family.
* The immune system-supporting effects of tocotrienols have garnered a lot of attention.
* One of the innate promoters of immune system health is a process known as "apoptosis."
* Apoptosis is an encoded suicide program designed to protect cells.
* Tocotrienols effectively promote apoptosis with delta-tocotrienol being twice as effective as gamma tocotrienol.
* Strong health promoters like delta tocotrienol are very hard to come by in a supplement.* USANA HEALTH PAK (Blend of Vitamins/Minerals) is one of the very few supplements available today that provide all of the natural source tocotrienols. Delta tocotrienol has been shown to be the most active of the tocotrienols, and is considered to be the: Most powerful antioxidant of the vitamin E family.* Most effective tocotrienol to activate immune system-supporting effects.* More effective at accumulating in cells compared to other tocotrienols.* Most effective member of the vitamin E for reducing endothelial expression of adhesion molecules.* Most effective tocotrienol in inducing apoptosis.* Delta-tocotrienol was twice as effective as gamma-tocotrienol.* Much more effective compound for inhibiting the excessive aggregation of blood platelets than vitamin E or other tocotrienols.* Most oils and food contain tocopherols but virtually no tocotrienols. Tocotrienols only occur at very low levels in nature with the highest concentration found in palm oil. Other sources are rice bran, barley, wheat germ, saw palmetto and certain types of nuts and grains. Due to their low level, it is practically impossible to attain the amount of tocotrienols studies suggest may have a beneficial effect,* from diet alone. Supplementation is key. Because the level of tocotrienols is at such a low level in nature, it takes a huge amount of the raw material to extract out 1kg of tocotrienols. This means you'll pay more for the benefits of tocotrienols. For every 1000kg of soy fatty acid distillate, one can extract out about 70kg of the tocopherols. In comparison, every 1000kg of palm oil, one can only theoretically extract out only 0.5kg of tocotrienols. In addition, the process to extract tocotrienols by molecular distillation is an expensive process compared to the conventional distillation processes. Tocotrienols are extremely safe and no side effects have been reported. 5 However,given the effects on platelet aggregation,* you should not take this product if you are going in for surgery, or taking the blood thinning drug Coumadin (warfarin) or anti-platelet drugs like Ticlid (ticlopidine). Tocotrienols are being heralded as "the vitamin E of the 21st century." Many research scientists and nutritionists, backed by extensive published research papers, agree that tocotrienols are a natural, stronger vitamin E and have many additional biological benefits over the normal tocopherols.* Some researchers have gone so far as to recommend that instead of focusing on tocopherols, people should start taking tocotrienols as the better vitamin E. Understanding the Importance of Team Work Tocopherols and tocotrienols work best as a team. In the test tube, gamma-tocopherol is destroyed by oxidants before any alpha-tocopherol is destroyed. This indicates that gamma-tocopherol actually helps the body conserve alpha-tocopherol.* And, a mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols provides longer protection of the skin than alpha-tocopherol alone.* And the same team can fight a wider spectrum of free radicals than alpha-tocopherol alone.* We still do not have all the answers yet as to the exact role of each of the eight members of the vitamin E family, but we do know that vitamin E is much more than alpha-tocopherol alone. The non-alpha tocopherols and the four tocotrienols have other unique and very useful functions.* That's why amount as IU tells only part of the story. Want to know more: http://www.safeliving.usana.com/