Vitamin E is an important component of good general health. It has many benefits and is one of the fat soluble vitamins along with A, D and K. It exists in 8 different forms and the most active form in humans is alpha-tocopherol. Excessive intake can result in death due to hemorrhages and stroke
2. | Protect Your Vision With A Handful Of Nuts
Vitamin E is an important component of
good general health. It has many benefits
and is one of the fat soluble vitamins along
with A, D and K. It exists in 8 different forms
and the most active form in humans is
alpha-tocopherol.
Taking the correct amount of Vitamin E is
as important as a deficiency. Over dosing
can result in hemorrhages and lead to
stroke. Some of the more common sources
of it are nuts, sunflower seeds, oils, green
leafy vegetables, and some grain products.
The normally recommended intake of
Vitamin E is 22.4 IU or 15 mg for an average
male adult. Lactating woen should take
about 19 mg.
Vitamin E is important in maintaining cell membrane integrity and also helps in
producing Vitamin A from oxidation. It also is a key part in the proper functioning of
the circulatory system and red blood cell production. In addition, it is key in the
body’s use of Vitamin K with regard to the clotting factor.
With regard to the eyes since it limits the production of free radicals, it can delay
and even prevent development of chronic diseases such as age related macular
degeneration and cataracts. Furthermore, in combination with Vitamin A it promotes
corneal healing with trauma and refractive surgery. It also helps maintain a stable
tear film reducing dry eyes and its’ symptoms.
Vitamin E is in high concentrations in the photoreceptors in the back of the eye and
further helps protect them from oxidative damage. It must be noted that Vitamin E
supplements should be avoided in Retinitis Pigmentosa patients as there is some
evidence that it actually may reduce vision at a faster rate then in patients that did
not take additional Vitamin E. There is no solid evidence to support this claim, but
clinical findings suggest that avoidance is recommended. Vitamin E has been
suggested in the treatment of macular edema and certain cases as well.
Vitamin E deficiency is rare in adults, but can be found in individuals with protein
transfer disorders, fat metabolism and mal-absorption diseases, as well as Crohn’s
Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and cystic fibrosis. It’s deficiency will affect the retina by
decreasing nerve fiber impulse transmission causing muscle weakness. Excessive
intake can result in death due to hemorrhages and stroke.
A well balanced diet should give most adults enough Vitamin E, but if one does not
eat well then a vitamin E supplement is important in maintaining good over all and
ocular health.
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3. About The Author
This article is written by Dr. Jay Stockman, contributing author to VisionUpdate.net.
Dr. Jay Stockman, with his partner Dr. Brian Lewy have co-managed a significant
number of refractive surgery patients. Advise, and medical questions can be
directed to
Dr. Jay B Stockman received his undergraduate degree from Boston University in
Boston, Mass. where he majored in Chemistry, and his doctorate from The SUNY
College of Optometry in New York. During that period, he did research at NYU
medical school on Cystic Fibrosis. He received the prestigious 10 year membership
award from the American Optometric Association, is a Senior examiner for the
National Board of examiners in Optometry, and has published numerous articles in
the fields of Contact lenses, ocular pathology and general health related topics. Dr.
Stockman has owned and operated a contact lens labs.
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