Vitamin E is one of the most popular supplements in America, which is why when studies come out with negative results that conflict with previous positive findings, the media and the public generally widely promote the new findings.

That said, it's important to note that in this particular study, although an increased risk of heart failure was found with high-dose vitamin E, it was only a slight increase (14.7 percent for those taking vitamin E versus 12.7 percent for those taking placebo). Also, the lead researcher recommended additional research be done to ensure the connection between heart failure and vitamin E was indeed real.

This study is one terrific example of why you benefit from reading this newsletter. The conventional paradigm will do everything in its power to seek to convince you that newer natural methods of treatment are flawed and you should cling to the outdated expensive current conventional paradigm. This is the very paradigm that is robbing your economic future, killing your friends and family and destroying your health.

Sounds like harsh claims but I really believe this is true. Let me show you how this study that was widely publicized in the media is flawed beyond belief. Unless you subscribe to JAMA or look it up in a medical library you would not know why. You have to read the methods section of the study to discover why this study is flawed, and unfortunately JAMA does not make the full text of this article available for free on line.

If you carefully read the methods section you will find the following:

"The Hope trial evaluated ramipril vs placebo and vitamin E (400 IS/d)"

Please note that not one word is mentioned about vitamin E specifics. These investigators ignored two major and important facts about vitamin E supplementation. One is the difference between synthetic and natural vitamin E and then the type of tocopherol involved. Most likely these patients were given synthtetic dl-alpha tocopherol.

Now please understand that I am not standing on a soapbox saying everyone should take vitamin E. I believe it is a good supplement for many and it is one of the few supplements that I take intermittently, but I could make an equally strong arguement not to take it. The issue is not about taking vitamin E but about the conventional paradigm ignorantly blasting natural approaches and seeking to give them a negative PR media spin.

As I have mentioned many times in this newsletter, if you are going to take vitamin E you really do want to avoid synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol. Ideally you would use a natural type that consisted of mixed tocopherols that included gamma tocohperol gamma-tocopherol. If you want to improve the vitamin E you can use a brand that has tocotrienols.

If you're not getting enough vitamin E and want to supplement your diet, I recommend you do your homework and find a high-quality brand that contains natural (not synthetic) forms of vitamin E. I recently researched this topic and now recommend the Carlson Vitamin E. You can find it in most of your local health food stores. For your added convenience we also carry one of the most potent and complete forms of vitamin E on the market: E-Gems Elite. This vitamin will provide you with the optimal benefits that the ideal type of vitamin E has to offer.

Related Articles:

Controversy Surrounds Vitamin E Risks

Are You Taking the Right Form of Vitamin E?

Are You Taking the Best Type of Vitamin E?

What are Tocotrienols, and Why do You Need Them?