Page Up Date 10/26/2021
Vitamin E
By Dr. Ashraf Girgis ND.
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Vitamin E
In March of 2020, a few months after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I wrote an article about the importance of preventative measures. Among those, I have suggested taking Vitamin D (I wrote a new article about its importance in Covid-19 prevention recently). Here, I would like to focus on the relationship between Vitamin E and Covid-19.
Vitamin E was discovered first by Evans and Bishop in 1922. Since then, there have been more discoveries within the Vitamin E family. There are currently eight natural forms of Vitamin E: alpha, beta, gamma and delta classes (4 tocopherols) and tocotrienol (4 tocotrienol) (2). Alpha- and gamma-tocopherols are the 2 major forms of the vitamin, divided into tocopherols and tocotrienols (2).
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Vitamin E is a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant and was discovered for its crucial role in mammalian reproduction. We have now come to realize that Vitamin E’s actions have many more facets. Vitamin E is found in immune cells more than any other cells in our body and it plays an important role in the modulation of immune cells (14).
Due to its antioxidant activity, Vitamin E can prevent atherosclerosis because it prevents platelet aggregation (platelets sticking to each other and forming clots). Due to its antioxidant activities, it is also effective against cancer and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, as well as aging and cataracts (2). Vitamin E also helps to reduce the production of prostaglandins – such as thromboxane – which cause platelet clumping.
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Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, etc. It is also found in seeds and nuts (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc). Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli also contain Vitamin E. Some food companies add it to cereals, fruits juices, and other products.
How much do we need daily? Most adults need about 15 mg of Vitamin E daily. For breastfeeding women, it is 19mg daily (4).
What are the benefits of Vitamin E? The benefits of Vitamin E are attributed either to its anti-Oxidant impact or its effect as a membrane stabilizing agent (5).
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1. Cardiovascular effects. Scientists have known for a while that the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a very important role in the development of atherosclerosis (the hardening of blood vessels due to fat/ Cholesterol accumulation in vessel walls). Vitamin E prevents oxidation of lipids and therefore prevents atherosclerosis and hypertension. Some studies have shown a lower rate of cardiovascular diseases in patients who have normal vitamin E levels.
2. Cancer. The relationship between Vitamin E and cancer prevention has been debated. In one study conducted in Finland with 29,000 ex-smokers, Vitamin E correlated with a 32% reduction in incidents of prostate cancer in men. It also resulted in a 41% total decrease in mortality in the same group. The study was conducted over the course of 5-8 years and patients received 50 IU of Vitamin E daily.(8).
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3. Autoimmune diseases. Because of the stabilizing role of Vitamin E plays inside cells, it is known to help in treating autoimmune diseases (9). Vitamin E has been shown to modulate the immune system in both human and animal modules, whether healthy or diseased (10). Vitamin E also affects immune cells via several mechanisms, therefore improving the immune response to combating diseases (11). Vitamin E affects immune cell modulation by:
A. Maintaining the integrity of T-cell membranes.
B. Signaling transduction (the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another).
C. Assisting cell division.
In addition, Vitamin E indirectly affects inflammatory mediators generated from other immune cells (13). Vitamin E has also shown to aid in the prevention and even treatment of diabetes. This is due to its anti-Oxidant effects and improved hepatocellular function (12).
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In a study of overweight individuals, consuming 800IU of daily Vitamin E for three months decreased participant fasting blood sugar levels. However, at 6 months these effects subsided, indicating they were transient effects (12).
Vitamin E also helps with blood cell regulation, genetic control of cell growth, and connective cell growth (Natural Supplements [author], pg609).
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Covid-19. Studies so far show that Vitamin E has a very positive effect on preventing Covid-19 (15). With regards to treatment, it has been shown to lower the frequency and severity of lung infections. Particularly for elderly individuals with higher risk of infection, adding Vitamin E to one’s diet is a very inexpensive way to improve Covid-19 outcomes (16).
It is important to get Vitamin E from natural sources like the ones mentioned above: green leafy vegetables, oils, and nuts are just a few examples. Individuals with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) tend to have Vitamin E deficiencies. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and depression have also been seen to have low levels of Vitamin E.
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It is rare to have side effects from taking Vitamin E. A study of older adults taking 200IU daily for 15 months showed no side effects. Heart failure has been reported in some individuals who have taken 400IU for four and a half years, in comparison to placebo groups.
Always ask your primary doctor before taking any supplements.
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Thanks for visiting www.curenaturally.org where ancient wisdom meet today’s science.
For questions or issues feel free to Call 616-777-0608 or email Dr. Girgis directly at: contactcurenaturally@gmail.com
Dr. Ashraf Girgis N.D.
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