Synthetic vitamin E

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Vitamin E death risk scare has some people avoiding nutritional supplements to their own detriment Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

REPPED: What's most interesting about the recent headlines scaring people away from vitamin E is the fact that not a single article in the mainstream press has yet mentioned these studies were conducted on synthetic vitamin e, not the natural vitamin E provided by whole foods, nuts, seeds, wheat germ and various high-quality nutritional supplements. To review what has happened here, these studies looked at the health effect of a synthetic chemical that has been misnamed "vitamin E" because it has a similar molecular structure.

There has been no discussion about the difference between natural vitamin E and synthetic vitamin e. There has also been an effort to get this fear to spill over to other antioxidants. The implied message in many news reports is that if vitamin E causes an increased risk in death, then all antioxidant supplements must be dangerous to your health.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

Research conducted in Germany showed that both natural and synthetic vitamin e were more effective than estrogen (17-beta estradiol) in protecting neurons against oxidative death caused by beta-amyloid, hydrogen peroxide, and the excitatory amino acid glutamate (Behl 2000). Research conducted at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine studied the protective effects of vitamin E in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Those treated with vitamin E displayed a significantly improved behavioral performance in the Morris water maze.

The Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

Vitamin E in its natural form reacts differently than synthetic forms when it comes into contact with polarized light. • synthetic vitamin e has been shown to be 80 percent less active and thus less effective compared to natural vitamin E. Clinical tests with nonhuman subjects produced this discovery. • Natural vitamin E may be up to 36 percent more beneficial in its activity than synthetic. If you still believe that natural and synthetic vitamin e are the same creature, try comparing the two under a microscope. Both are composed of the same hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.

Defeating Diabetes Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard See book keywords and concepts

This amount is equal to 22 IUs of natural vitamin E [d-alpha-tocopherol] or 33 IUs of synthetic vitamin e [dl-alpha-tocopherol]). Among the most widely recognized of all antioxidant nutrients, vitamin E serves as an important bodyguard by sacrificing itself in order to protect fat and fat-soluble substances, such as vitamin A, from the ravages of free radicals. It stabilizes cell membranes, protects white blood cells, increases blood flow, and appears to protect against blood vessel damage to the eyes and kidneys. Some studies suggest that vitamin E may also help insulin work better.

Vitamin E scare study used synthetic, not natural vitamin E Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

Once again, the entire study was based on people taking synthetic vitamin e, which has the opposite molecular structure of natural vitamin E (the kind of vitamin E found in nuts, seeds and other foods). Natural vitamin E is well known to prevent heart attacks and enhance cardiovascular disease, and there exists an abudance of clinical evidence to support that notion. Highlighting the dangers of synthetic vitamins is a favorite scare tactic of the conventional medical community.

Gary Null's Power Aging Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

Do not take synthetic vitamin e (dl-alpha-tocopherol). (See also Brain Boosters, page 189.) Avoid higher doses of vitamin E if you have high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, or rheumatic heart disease. TMG (Trimethylglycine). TMG is the most effective facilitator of youthful methylation metabolism. This is important because research has shown that defective methylation is related to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, and neurological disorders.

Bottom Line's Prescription Alternatives Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA See book keywords and concepts

Avoid synthetic vitamin e, or dl-alpha tocopherol. Good foods for vitamin E: almonds, asparagus, bran, brown rice, cucumbers, dark green vegetables, herring, kale, peanuts, seeds, soybeans, unrefined vegetable oils, wheat germ and wheat germ oil, and whole grains. The Antioxidant Bioflavonoids: Grapeseed Extract and Green Tea Bioflavonoids are organic compounds found in plants that are key to the power of antioxidants.

The Natural Way to Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health Walter Last See book keywords and concepts

While numerous trials have shown significant health benefits for individuals with higher levels of beta-carotene in their blood, clinical trials with synthetic beta-carotene and synthetic vitamin e have shown increased rates of death due to cancer. Vitamin A has been portrayed as the most "dangerous" supplement, largely based on studies with synthetic vitamin A. There are dire warnings that it can cause death in amounts higher than the RDA (5000 IU).

The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

There is chewable CoQIO on the market containing some synthetic vitamin e in the base. Although synthetic vitamin e is not harmful and does have antioxidant value, I prefer the natural form. I usually recommend 50-100 mg per day for people who have immune system disorders or fatigue, or if they are over 40 years old, when production of CoQIO is significantly lower. If they have heart problems or cancer, I usually use higher doses, ranging from 100 to 300 mg per day, and sometimes even more.

The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies, and Asthma Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

Health and natural food stores tend to sell natural vitamin E products and generally have many choices, whereas pharmacies tend to sell synthetic vitamin e supplements. There are many excellent brands, but one of the most reliable is produced by J. R. Carlson Laboratories (888-234-5656; more details in appendix B). Based on the research, a minimum of 200IU of vitamin E daily is required to gain any significant health benefits; 400 IU (a small capsule) is a more ideal dosage.

Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts

But natural vitamin E is also retained twice as long in the body as synthetic vitamin e, which means that it can build up and stay at higher levels. Natural vitamin E also contains more than just d-alpha tocopherol. It is typically combined with other forms, such as gamma tocopherol, that appear to offer added protection. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley, for example, discovered that gamma tocopherol also has powerful antioxidant properties. These other tocopherols are not present in synthetic vitamin e, although they are found in foods rich in the vitamin.

Miracle Cures: Dramatic New Scientific Discoveries Revealing the Healing Powers of Herbs, Vitamins, and Other Natural Remedies Jean Carper See book keywords and concepts

Consumer Concerns California researchers have found that synthetic vitamin e (dl-alpha tocopherol) protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation as well as slightly more expensive natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol). However, many antioxidant experts favor natural vitamin E, and that form was used in the highly successful Cambridge study. Vitamin C of any type appears to work. The type effective in Dr. Frei's artery study was a low-cost brand from a drugstore. Reports that a more expensive vitamin C called Ester-C is superior have not held up. In fact, one study found plain old vitamin C better.

Optimal Wellness Ralph Golan, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

One notable exception is vitamin E. synthetic vitamin e, the dl form, has very little vitamin E activity. Avoid it. Use the d form only (see discussion on page 131). (D and dl refer to molecular conformations.) On the other hand, there are low-dose multiples, B-complex supplements, and innumerable combinations of nutrients made entirely from natural sources and whole-food concentrates that, unlike synthetic forms, contain some unknown nutritional factors and synergists that act in concert with known nutrients.

Permanent Remissions Robert Hass, M.S. See book keywords and concepts

Natural vitamin E contains a complex of disease-fighting isomers not found in synthetic vitamin e. Clinical studies typically use 400 international units per day. WHAT ABOUT DHEA? The adrenal-gland hormone dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is currently sold as a nonprescription dietary supplement in the United States and has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels. The ratio of DHEA to testosterone in the body is an important regulator of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND See book keywords and concepts

Similarly, synthetic vitamin e contains a single compound, whereas natural vitamin E contains a mixture of different but related substances known as tocopherols. Recent studies have reported that taking natural vitamin E results in higher blood levels that last longer. Whether you select a natural or synthetic formula, be aware that the contents of any supplement have to be altered in some way to put them into pill, powder, or capsule form. Many vitamin and mineral formulas contain refined sugars or artificial sweeteners, such as sucrose, mannose, xylitol, and aspartame (NutraSweet).

Get Healthy Now with Gary Null: A Complete Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Healthy living Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

D-alpha tocopherol is also preferred over synthetic vitamin e. Generally, 400IU per day should be taken in the beginning. The dosage can be gradually increased to 600 IU, although some women may need up to 800 IU. Zinc. This mineral supports ovarian function. A good source is zinc picoli-nate. It can also be taken as an amino acid chelate or as zinc methionine. Twenty-five to 30 mg per day is generally needed. B complex. B-complex vitamins are important throughout life, but there is an extra need for these during menopause. They can be obtained from whole grains, and green vegetables.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Avoid synthetic vitamin e (dl-alpha). •Selenium... 100 meg per meal. Selenium is needed to produce glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that protects the body from free radical damage. It is also important in preventing cancer and cardiomegaly, an enlargement of the heart that causes premature aging and early death. •Zinc...30 to 50 mg daily. Zinc feeds over 100 enzyme systems in the brain, as well as various systems throughout the body. It is essential in the formation of stomach acid; without sufficient zinc, malabsorption syndrome occurs. Most older people are zinc-deficient.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC See book keywords and concepts

The natural form is more active. More synthetic vitamin e is added to supplements to compensate for the low level of activity. For example, 100 IU of vitamin E requires about 67 mg of the natural form but at least 100 mg of the synthetic. Little is known about how the synthetic "dl" form affects the body, though no clear toxicity has been discovered. Most doctors of natural medicine advise people to use only the natural ("d") form of vitamin E.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

The author notes that no side effects have been witnessed and that synthetic vitamin e in the form of alpha-tocopherol is best with ideal doses being 1000 IU, b.i.d. beginning a week after surgery and lasting up to 2 years. —J.L. Baker, Jr., "The Effectiveness of Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in Reducing the Incidence of Spherical Contracture Around Breast Implants," Plast Reconstr Surg, 68(5), November 1981, p. 696-699.

Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide, Second Edition Larry Trivieri, Jr. See book keywords and concepts

Mixed natural tocopherals are much more effective clinically than synthetic vitamin e. Folic Acid—This substance protects against cervical cancer and is necessary for proper synthesis of RNA and DNA. It is found in beets, cabbage, dark leafy vegetables, eggs, dairy products, citrus fruits, and most fish.102 Selenium—An essential trace mineral found in fruits and vegetables, selenium helps the body produce functional glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme essential for detoxification.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

D-alpha tocopherol is also preferred over synthetic vitamin e. Generally, 400 IU per day should be taken in the beginning. The dosage can be gradually increased to 600 IU, although some women may need up to 800 IU. Zinc. This mineral supports ovarian function. A good source is zinc picolinate. It can also be taken as an amino acid chelate or as zinc methionine. Twenty-five to 30 mg per day is generally needed. B complex. B-complex vitamins are important throughout life, but there is an extra need for these during menopause. They can be obtained from whole grains, and green vegetables.

The Enzyme Cure: How Plant Enzymes Can Help You Relieve 36 Health Problems Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg See book keywords and concepts

Atlanta, GA Yamcon Phillips Nutrition Laguna Hills, CA orally or transdermally Most formulas are suspensions of progesterone crystals in some kind of fat, such as corn oil or synthetic vitamin e. The undissolved progesterone is wasted. If the powdered form is taken, it cycles through the liver several times and then back through the blood and out the kidneys. This is a major reason why some women do not get the relief that they need from progesterone. They simply are not absorbing enough of it.

Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts

Natural vitamin E, for example, is better retained by the body than the synthetic form, but manufacturers can make up for this by adding more synthetic vitamin e to capsules. Thus, although natural E may offer some added protection, the synthetic product is processed to ultimately have the same strength. In other cases, the synthetic form of a vitamin may be better than the natural form. Some research indicates that synthetic folic acid—in the form of supplements or in fortified foods such as cereals—is often better absorbed than the natural folate found in many leafy green vegetables.

These other tocopherols are not present in synthetic vitamin e, although they are found in foods rich in the vitamin. Multivitamins usually contain vitamin E in one of its water-soluble forms, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. These forms are just as good as d-alpha tocopherol, Dr. Traber says. Most multivitamins don't offer enough vitamin E for optimal protection from chronic disease, however.

Know Your Fats : The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats, Oils and Cholesterol Mary G. Enig See book keywords and concepts

In the blood, 83% of the vitamin E is a-tocopherol and most of the rest is y-tocopherol. synthetic vitamin e, which is listed on vitamin supplement labels as dl, is a mixture of 8 isomers of which 7 do not have the same activity as the natural form. Many natural oils are good sources of tocopherols. Refined oils that are stripped of their vitamin E and oils that are solvent extracted have greatly reduced levels of vitamin E. (See Chapter 4) Tocotrienols are fat soluble antioxidants in the vitamin E family. There are four natural tocotrienols, alpha (a), beta (P), gamma (y), and delta (6).

Every_Persons_Guide_To_Antioxidants John R. Smythies See book keywords and concepts

In an editorial in the issue of the Lancet [209] that reported the results, Stephens, a member of the CHAOS team, pointed out that the ATBC study used only one-tenth the dose of vitamin E that the CHAOS study had used; moreover, the ATBC investigators had used synthetic vitamin e whereas the CHAOS group had used natural vitamin E, which is chemically different (as we saw in part 1). Stephens concluded that the bulk of the evidence supports the use of vitamin E, but not beta-carotene, to treat coronary heart disease.

In addition, they were given synthetic vitamin e, which is chemically different from natural vitamin E, as we saw in part 1. It must also be remembered that both heart disease and cancer develop slowly and progressively over a long period. The value of antioxidant treatment could better be tested by giving it early on in the pathology and maintaining the effective dosage for a longer period. Omenn has also drawn attention to these flaws in all of the major ATBC, PS, and CARET studies: choice of high risk-subjects, choice of a single antioxidant, too low a dose, and too short a trial [153].

They select two negative trials, one in melanoma and the other the flawed ATBC trial in Finland, where we have seen that inadequate doses of synthetic vitamin e were used in the hopeless task of trying to roll back the effects of heavy cigarette smoking over half a lifetime. The positive trial they cite is the Linxian trial in China, in which the subjects were nutritionally deprived anyway [18]. They should have used a better and wider database.

The Vitamin Revolution in Health Care Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

These may have contamination problems or problems with solubility. synthetic vitamin e, for example, is much cheaper than the natural form, but the molecule is slightly different, and contains only the alpha-tocopherol, not the beta, gamma or delta forms found in "mixed, natural tocopherols." That information should be on the label. The most likely supplements to be a problem are the most expensive ones, such as coenzyme Q10 or proanthocyanidins, or non-standardized herbs being sold for low prices compared to the standardized products. Timed Release?

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