Controversies have surrounded vitamin E ever since its discovery in 1922 and there is still considerable confusion over what type of vitamin E is best.

Dietary vitamin E is found in certain nuts and green leafy vegetables, but many Americans do not consume vitamin E-adequate diets (which range widely from 100-800 units a day, depending on your nutritional type). It seems obvious to me that vitamin E should ideally be consumed in its natural state found in foods.

Please understand that vitamin E is actually composed of two natural compounds, tocopherols and tocotrienols, each with four forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol). Each form has its own potency and its own functional use in the body.

Additionally, research is beginning to focus on specific tocopherols and tocotrienols, rather than on just "vitamin E." Studies are now emerging that suggest tocotrienols, found in palm, rice bran and barley oils, could be the most important part of vitamin E. Full-spectrum vitamin E, which contains a mixture of tocopherols (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma) and tocotrienols (alpha, beta, delta, and gamma), may be a wise choice to protect against disease and provide maximum benefits.

Nonetheless, the vitamin E most often referred to and sold in most stores is a synthetic form of vitamin E called dl-alpha-tocopherol--but I do not recommend this type of vitamin E as it is synthetic. So please be certain that check to see that your vitamin E supplement is not this type.

It appears that the gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E is the wiser choice for a number of reasons. Gamma tocopherol is the type of vitamin E most commonly found in nature and since recent research has shown that it is more important than alpha tocopherol in preventing cancer, it is most likely superior to alpha-tocopherol in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, It would seem that choosing gamma tocopherol as the primary source of vitamin E may be the wisest choice.

Obtaining Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most important supplements you can take. In fact, I have been so convinced of its benefit that I've been taking it for over 30 years.

Please understand, however, that the best way to obtain vitamin E is not by taking it in a supplement form, such as a pill. The best way to get your intake of this vitamin is through the consumption of natural healthy unprocessed foods.

On the other hand, if you do decide to supplement with vitamin E, Living Fuel Omega 3 & E is a wise choice as it incorporates many of the principles I mention above. They are mixed tocopherols and as such have gamma and alpha tocoperol. Additionally they also have the important tocotrienol vitamin E family.

They are also chock full of pure, very high-quality fish oil capsules that contain both the omega-3 that is so severely lacking in most people's diets (and are essential to help prevent heart disease) and full-spectrum vitamin E.

Aside from cancer and Alzheimer’s (and cognitive decline) prevention, additional health benefits associated with vitamin E intake include:

• Reduces heart disease risk
• May lower risk of asthma and allergies
• May help treat menstrual pain
• Improves circulation in diabetics
• May help hot flashes