By now, you’ve probably heard a lot about Vitamin E and its fantastic benefits. However, we’ve been reading some great new studies highlighting how Vitamin E has more extensive benefits than first realised – especially for women.
A recent meta-analysis in the Clinical Nutrition journal has found that taking Vitamin E significantly decreased primary dysmenorrhea, otherwise known as period pain or menstrual cramps. [1]
Period pain is often characterised by an increased concentration of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) in the menstrual fluid, so suppressing this production is a significant way to treat menstrual pain.
Vitamin E has been found to reduce prostaglandins in the body. This may lead to an overall reduction in pain and discomfort during menstruation while relaxing the uterus muscles.
Vitamin E also reduces the duration and intensity of period pain, limiting blood loss. It may even help to reduce cramping, anxiety and cravings associated with premenstrual syndrome while helping to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Scientists are also suggesting that Vitamin E can support women during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a common complication occurring during pregnancy. It can significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes affecting mothers with preeclampsia and Type 2 Diabetes. There’s also an increased risk of the infant developing harmful conditions too.
One study of over 52,791 women across 137 hospitals in China found that women with higher levels of Vitamin E, especially in their first trimester, had decreased risk of Gestational Diabetes. Whereas when Vitamin E levels were below 7mg/L, this was associated with an increased risk of the condition. [2]
Benefits for Postmenopausal Women
Research shows that Vitamin E has benefits for postmenopausal women too. Many studies have found that Vitamin E can help improve hot flashes caused by estrogen deficiency. Vitamin E also has a beneficial effect on bone formation in postmenopausal women. [3]
Improved Sleep Quality
One of the most common problems that postmenopausal women face is chronic insomnia. Evidence shows that oxidative stress worsens sleep deprivation, which can lower antioxidant levels.
Certain studies have found that taking Vitamin E can significantly restore normal blood levels of glutathione peroxidase while suppressing malondialdehyde – which led the authors of this study to propose that a reduction in oxidative stress may be the mechanism by which Vitamin E improves sleep quality. [4]
Improves Skin Health
As a potent free radical scavenger, Vitamin E has been shown to act as a powerful antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage throughout the body. Vitamin E is beneficial as a natural anti-inflammatory and is recommended for soothing and helping to calm the skin. Several studies also show that it can help to reduce inflammatory damage to skin after UV exposure. [5]
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the human body. It is a group of eight antioxidants, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols.
These antioxidants work together to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm cells and organs. Vitamin E also supports the immune system, helps with blood clotting, and improves brain function. Good food sources of Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, leafy greens, eggs, and whole grains.
While experts recommend individuals focus on adding more Vitamin E-rich foods into their diet, adding a Vitamin E supplement is also a great way to complement your health and wellness regime.
Is Vitamin E Well Absorbed In The Body?
Absorption of Vitamin E can depend on the source and the presence or absence of other nutrients that can enhance its absorption. However, the consensus is that Vitamin E from food sources is well-absorbed by the body.
However, supplementation may be necessary or advisable in some instances, such as when a person has a condition that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients properly or when one’s diet lacks Vitamin E-rich foods.
Our Vitamin E Recommendation
We recommend Vitamin E Tocotrienols from our sponsor Good Health Naturally. They use EVNol™ – a natural full-spectrum tocotrienol and tocopherol complex; this has the highest ratio of α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol, as occurs in nature.
Tocotrienols are known as “Super Vitamin E” and “Unsaturated Vitamin E”. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, the generic name describing four tocopherols and four tocotrienols.
Structurally, both tocotrienol and tocopherol have the ‘a chroman ring’ as the head but are distinguished by their side chain. Tocopherol has a saturated side chain, whereas tocotrienol has three double bonds in its side chain. This is why tocotrienol is sometimes called the ‘Unsaturated Vitamin E’.
Good Health Naturally’s Vitamin E combines EVNol™, a full spectrum mix of tocotrienol and tocopherols extracted and concentrated from red palm fruits (Elaeis guineensis).
EVNol™ also contains minute amounts of other phytonutrients such as plant squalene, phytosterols, co-enzyme Q10 and mixed carotenoids that are naturally extracted together with tocotrienols, making it a natural and wholesome tocotrienol complex.
As mentioned above, adding a high-quality Vitamin E supplement into your wellness routine can ensure you get enough of this important nutrient – which is highly recommended if you want to revolutionise your health.
References:
[1] https://clinicalnutritionespen.com/article/S2405-4577(22)00500-9/fulltext
[2] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/7/1598
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17664882/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10005674/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1325398/
Recommended Examples from our sponsor,
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Vitamin E Tocotrienols
Provides 100% natural tocotrienols and tocopherols for potent antioxidant support. May help to scavenge highly reactive free radicals and provide an essential role for cellular respiration.
Vitamin E has numerous benefits for reproductive health, red blood cell function and immune system. Vitamin E supports nails, skin and hair, cardio health, cholesterol levels, immune system function, heart, brain and digestive health. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 60 vegetable capsules.
Other Vitamin E Recommendations
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MaxiFocus® Sublingual Liposomal
Save 25% OFF MaxiFocus® Sublingual Liposomal* – Delivers a complete spectrum of eye nutrients, including the carotenoids Lutein and Zeaxanthin. It is recommended for eye health, brain health and general health support. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 120ml.
Alpha Lipoic Acid-‘R’
Taking Alpha Lipoic Acid can help to regenerate endogenous antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E and glutathione that can help to prevent oxidative damage. Supports eye health, nerve health, blood sugar levels and more. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. 60 vegetable capsules.
