Vitamin E: Tochopherol

Vitamin E (along with A, D and K) is a fat-soluble vitamin; that means that there must be some fat in your food for this vitamin to be absorbed. Vitamin E coats each and every cell membrane..

 

Functions
Vitamin E:

•  Is an antioxidant
•  Protects cell membranes
•  Lowers cholesterol
•  Protects against heart disease
•  Improves fertility
•  Aids with the absorption of Vitamin K

Sources of Vitamin E:

•  Flax seed oil
•  Grape seed oil
•  Green leafy vegetables
•  Whole grains
•  Nuts
•  Avocado
•  Egg yolk

 Deficiency symptoms:

•  Cold hands and feet
•  Easy bruising
•  Slow wound healing
•  Loss of muscle tone
•  Slow reflexes

 (Of course these symptoms may result from something other than Vit.E deficiency. Don't immediately reach for a supplement! Always check with your doctor before taking supplements of any kind. An excess of any vitamin can have unpleasant side effects.)