Alpha-Tocopherol, a Valuable Ally for Good Health
Alpha-tocopherol, one of the eight isoforms of vitamin E, is the most potent fat-soluble antioxidant known in nature. In recent years, the many roles of Alpha-tocopherol have been uncovered, and includes not only antioxidant functions, but also pro-oxidant, cell signaling and gene regulatory functions. Decades of clinical and pre-clinical studies have broadened our understanding of the antioxidant Alpha-tocopherol and its utility in a number of chronic, oxidative stress-induced pathologies.
In addition to its antioxidant function, Alpha-tocopherol has been shown to have other effects on cellular processes, namely on the immune system, proliferation and apoptosis, which makes it an interesting candidate for the study of its anti-cancer properties.
Let’s Take a Closer Look
Though vitamin E is often thought of as a single compound, it’s actually a group of eight fat-soluble compounds with powerful antioxidant effects. Of these eight chemical forms, Alpha-tocopherol best meets the dietary requirements of humans.
Your body uses Alpha-tocopherol for multiple purposes, including protecting you from oxidative stress and supporting your immune system. Alpha-tocopherol exists naturally in certain foods, including seeds, nuts, some vegetables, and some fortified products. You can also take it as a dietary supplement. It plays many roles in your body, and best known for its antioxidant effects, protecting your cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals. In addition, it’s needed for proper immune function and cellular signaling. That’s why it’s not surprising that research suggests taking Alpha-tocopherol supplements may benefit your health in several ways, such as skin health, regulating the antioxidant defense system, lower blood pressure, decreased blood lipid levels, cognitive health and menstrual pain.
Want to find out more?, click of these links to view the scientific & research studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361124/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/
Alpha-tocopherol and oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses
Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there’s an imbalance between your body’s antioxidant defenses and the production and accumulation of compounds called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). This can lead to cellular damage and increased disease risk.
Because Alpha-tocopherol acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, studies have shown that supplementing with high doses of it can reduce markers of oxidative stress and boost antioxidant defenses. For example, a recent study of 54 people with diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by high blood sugar) found that supplementing with 350 mg of Alpha-tocopherol per day for 12 weeks significantly increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) compared with a placebo. GPx is a group of antioxidant enzymes that protect your cells from oxidative damage. A future 2021 study also showed that supplementing with a combination of Alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C daily for 8 weeks reduced markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde and ROS, in women with endometriosis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29891745/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34122682/
Alpha-tocopherol and Heart Risk Factors
Having high blood pressure and high levels of blood lipids such as LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides may increase your risk of developing heart disease. Promisingly, research shows that Alpha-tocopherol supplements can help reduce heart disease risk factors.
A 2019 review of 18 studies found that, compared with placebo treatments, Alpha-tocopherol supplements significantly reduced systolic but not diastolic blood pressure - the top and bottom numbers of blood pressure readings, respectively.
Research has also show that taking Alpha-tocopherol with Omega-3 supplements can reduce LDL and triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions, including high blood fat levels, that increases the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30846828/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31405672/
Alpha-tocopherol and Liver Health
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a number of conditions that cause an accumulation of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol. According to research findings, Alpha-tocopherol supplements may improve some aspects of health in people with NAFLD.
A 2021 review of eight studies found that supplementing with Alpha-tocopherol reduced levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), decreased blood lipid levels, and improved liver health in people with NAFLD. Elevated AST and ALT levels can indicate liver inflammation and damage in people with NAFLD, so lower levels are favorable.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32810309/
Alpha-tocopherol and Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual pain, such as cramps and pelvic pain.
Promisingly, research suggests vitamin E supplements (Alpha-tocopherol) can reduce pain in women with this condition.
In a 2018 study in 100 women with Dysmenorrhea, taking 200 IU of Alpha-tocopherol daily relieved menstrual pain, these effects were improved on further when Alpha-tocopherol was combined with an Omega-3 supplement containing 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA.
Additionally, a 2021 study showed that supplementing with a combination of Alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C daily for 8 weeks helped reduce the severity of pelvic pain and Dysmenorrhea in women with endometriosis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29542390/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34122682/
Alpha-tocopherol and Skin Health
Vitamin E supplements may be helpful for those with certain skin disorders, such as eczema, and improves general health of the skin.
As an antioxidant, Alpha-tocopherol primarily reacts with reactive oxygen species. In addition, Alpha-tocopherol can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light. Thus, it plays important roles in photo-protection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage to skin, along with related anti-inflammatory roles leading to Alpha-tocopherol being used successfully in treating chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33070130/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15531675/
Alpha-tocopherol and Inflammation
Because Alpha-tocopherol plays important roles in health, such as reducing inflammation and improving immune function, supplements may benefit people who have increased needs or don’t get enough in their diets, often found in older adults.
Alpha-tocopherol has been considered an anti-inflammatory agent in the skin, as several studies have supported its prevention of inflammatory damage. Alpha-tocopherol supplementation can assist with skin swelling, skin thickness, erythema, and edema — all signs of skin inflammation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140432/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20714817/
Alpha-tocopherol Dosage
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the tolerable upper Intake Level for supplemental Alpha-tocopherol/vitamin E is currently set at 1,000 mg per day. Unless you have a serve Vitamin E deficiency, this upper limit would not be beneficial.
When used as a daily supplement, a recommended dose of 150 mg - 300 mg has been deemed a well tolerated and beneficial dose.
As is the case with all supplements, it is wise to start with the lowest possible effective dose and build gradually as needed.
Are there side effects of Alpha-tocopherol supplementation?
Over exposure to food-based Alpha-tocopherol is unlikely. However, it is possible to consume too much vitamin E through supplements, keep in mind that doses found in Alpha-tocopherol/vitamin E supplements vary significantly, with some providing much more than a healthy person needs each day. Therefore, make sure to check the labels of vitamin supplements carefully.
Vitamin E can potentially interact with certain medications.
While a few examples are listed here, it’s always important to talk with a healthcare professional about the supplements you’re taking, especially before they start you on prescription medication. Higher doses of Alpha-tocopherol/Vitamin E may have negative interactions with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, simvastatin, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
