Vitamin E

Definition: Vitamin E is a member of the fat-soluble family of vitamins that also includes vitamin D, vitamin K and vitamin A. Vitamin E is important as an antioxidant that protects the cells of your body from free radical damage. Vitamin E is also an important component of the immune system and is necessary to repair DNA.

Daily Requirements

1 to 3 years 6 mg per day
4 to 8 years 7 mg per day
9 to 13 years 11 mg per day
14+ years 15 mg per day

Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, vegetables oils, cereals and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E deficiency is rare. Vitamin E supplements have been recommended for the prevention of heart disease and some forms of cancer. Research studies have given mixed results, so there is not enough evidence to back up these claims. Vitamin E, along with other antioxidants and zinc has been used successfully to reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Also Known As: Tocopherols

_Sources:

ODS. "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin E." NIH. Updated 08/2007.

Food and Nutrition Board. "Dietary Reference Intakes." Institute of Medicine. Published 2004.

National Eye Institute. "[link url=http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/]AREDS." NIH. Updated 10/2008.