Vitamin E Facts

This essential nutrient isn’t the most popular supplement on store shelves—but maybe it should be

- VERA TWEED

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a component of all cell membranes, so when it’s in short supply, all cells can suffer. Yet it’s estimated that at least 90 percent of Americans don’t get a minimum of 15 mg daily—the amount considered adequate for most people—from food alone.

Severe deficiency is rare and usually stems from a genetic defect that impairs normal absorption and metabolism of vitamin E. Symptoms can include loss of muscle control, nerve damage, muscle weakness, and damage to the retina of the eye. More common, subtle deficiencies can contribute to faster skin aging, joint degeneration, heart disease, loss of memory and other mental faculties in later years, vision deterioration, and higher risk for some cancers.

Some studies have shown clear benefits of vitamin E supplements while other have not. But as more is learned, some reasons for these conflicting results are emerging.

Individual Differences in Metabolism