Vitamin E is a powerful, fat-soluble antioxidant that is vital to optimum health. It is found in nature as a complex of eight separate compounds (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols), each with important functions in the body. I recommend avoiding synthetic versions of vitamin E, and using products that contain the full complex.

In the body, vitamin E:

 

1. Helps support cell membranes and address damage by free radicals.
2. Is necessary for structural and functional maintenance of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells.
3. Assists in the formation of new red blood cells and helps to maintain stores of vitamins A and K, iron, and selenium.

People taking blood thinners or aspirin should consult with their doctor about vitamin E to avoid potential drug interactions. If you do supplement with vitamin E, take it with a meal that contains some fat to aid in its absorption. You can obtain natural vitamin E in foods such as nuts, spinach, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole grains.


What's In Your Vitamin E?
Natural vitamin E (in the form of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols) provides the full range of benefits to support optimum health, while synthetic vitamin E is typically limited to alpha tocopherol. Dr. Weil recommends avoiding synthetic or single compound varieties, and instead opting for products that provide the complete vitamin E complex. Learn more, at Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor.

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