Facts

	Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds and includes seven forms of tocopherols found in nature: alpha, beta, delta, epsilon, eta, gamma, and zeta. Alpha tocopherol is the most potent form. The word tocopherol is derived from the Greek word "tos" for childbirth; "phero," which means to "bring forth" a reference to the vitamin's role in enhancing animal fertility.1
	Natural vitamin E is d-alpha tocopherol. Synthetic vitamin is a mixture of both the d and l isomers and noted as dl-alpha tocopherol.

Functions

	An antioxidant, vitamin E equalises cell membranes, protects cellular structures including the mitochondria, the genetic code, proteins, etc.; prevents cataracts, inhibits the oxidation of fats; aids in the utilisation of vitamin A and C.
	It also promotes normal blood clotting, reduces blood pressure and scarring of wounds, improves athletic performance, aids with Premenstrual Tension; fibrocystic breast disease.
	It is also necessary for: regulation of the heartbeat, prevention of osteoporosis. It also enhances immunity and is necessary for thyroid function and normal blood clotting.2

Requirements
The Recommended Daily Allowance has been set at 5 µg for Vitamin D.


Signs of Deficiency
Severe deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia, a similar disorder in adults, osteoporosis. Less severe symptoms include: loss of appetite, diarrhoea, insomnia and visual problems.2

Signs of Toxicity
Large intakes of vitamin D over an extended period of time can cause: headache, nausea, weakness and, in severe cases, calcification of soft tissue and mental retardation.


Note:
According to Mildred Seelig, M.D., Master of the American College of Nutrition and MRI's consultant, dietary imbalances such as a high ratio of vitamin D, phosphate and fat can increase one's susceptibility to developing a magnesium deficiency. "Later in infancy and in childhood, a low dietary magnesium to vitamin D ratio might contribute, as well, to more generalised atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, and hypertension."3


Current Research

Heart Disease
There is a significant body of research regarding the positive role of vitamin E and cardiovascular disease. In a 4-year study of 39,000 professionals, Harvard researchers found that men who supplemented their diets with at least 100 IU daily had a 39% lower risk of developing coronary artery disease than men who did not. Similar findings were noted for women.4

Cancer
Vitamin D may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of some forms of cancer. Calcitrol, the active form of vitamin D, has been shown to inhibit the growth of human melanoma (skin cancer), leukemia, breast, lymphoma and colon cancer cells.4 In one study that spanned nearly 20 years, the risk of dying from colourectal cancer was inversely associated with vitamin D and calcium consumption.5 5

Cardiovascular Disease
According to investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass., vitamin D deficiency in post-menopausal women is linked with an increased risk of fracture. In a group of women with osteoporosis hospitalised with a hip fracture, researchers found that 50 % were found to be deficient in vitamin D.6

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