Diabetic? You Need This Kind of Vitamin E
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes (metabolic syndrome) you’ll want to make sure you are taking a form of vitamin E that contains both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol. New research shows that together, these two forms of vitamin E fight inflammation better than alpha-tocopherol alone.
In the study, a gamma- and alpha-tocopherol combination (800 mg of each) led to a significant reduction in measures of inflammation in the body, including reductions in C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor. People with diabetes are especially prone to inflammation, which takes years off their lives and multiples their risk for heart, kidney, nerve and eye problems. (Devaraj, S et al Free Radic Biol Med, 2007. Dec 23. DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.12.018.)
Alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E most often found in vitamin supplements, and the only kind found in fortified foods like cereals. You can get mixed tocopherols from a few foods sources, such as wheat germ oil, nuts and seeds, but you can’t get enough of it to provide the kind of protection seen in this study.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Not all supplements are created equal! Check the label on your vitamin supplement to make sure it includes alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherols. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, consider taking a more specialized vitamin E supplement to ensure that you are getting the higher dosages of E used in this study which may be neccessary to control inflammation.
QUICK TIP: Jean Carper reports on a study which found that, contrary to recent headlines, vitamin E is a lifesaver. Learn More
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
