Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the cells from damage. It is an essential nutrient that occurs naturally in many foods, however, most will supplement with a multivitamin as it is often removed with over processing of foods. It is fat soluble, so the body stores it and uses it when it is needed.

As an antioxidant, it helps to cleanse away free radicals which are produced as a by-product of fuel converting to energy in the cells. Free radicals can also come from tobacco smoke, direct sunlight, air pollution and other external sources.

If you have a client base focusing around beauty, vitamin E is a natural way to support healthy skin, in both appearance and health. In addition, vitamin E can support the healing of acne, psoriasis and have an anti-ageing effect.

Natural vitamin E is often listed as d-alpha-tocopherol on food labels, however, it can also be produced synthetically. The synthetic form of vitamin E is often referred to as dl-alpha-tocopherol on food labels.

Benefits of Vitamin E

• It is found in many skin moisturisers and vitamin e oil is often used as a moisturiser to treat dry skin. Now, with the rise of nutraceuticals, we are seeing a rise in vitamin E being used within beauty supplements and drinks to enhance the formulation’s beauty benefits.
• Research suggests that vitamin E supplements can promote wound healing.
• Dry skin tends to look more wrinkled than a well-moisturised alternative. By using supplements with vitamin E included, it can help the skin to look plumper and more hydrated.
• Research has shown that supplementing vitamin E can prevent yellow nails, peeling and cracking within the nail bed.

As we age, the response of our immune system starts to decline. It has been suggested that vitamin E can help slow down this process during ageing, improving overall immunity within the elderly.