Lots of people are convinced applying vitamin e oil capsules on their scars or stretch marks will help prevent or fade them. But does it really work? And how about other benefits? Read on to find out about interesting facts about vitamin E. The topical use of vitamin E oil capsules is a very popular and supposedly effective scar removing treatment. Two major studies have been conducted on this matter. The largest clinical trial published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation
Vitamin E oil
The so called effective remedy consists of opening vitamin E capsules and applying the content on the scar. But this topical use of vitamin E does not result in scar healing scientists say. The capsules can be used for far better purposes though.
In 1986 one of the largest studies to investigate the effect of vitamin E on scars was published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation. The conclusion: the use of vitamin E did not lead to noticeable improvement in the size, thickness or appearance of scars.
Side effects
Another study from 1999 showed no improvement either. A significant part of the scars actually appeared worse than the control group’s scars. On top of that roughly 30 percent of the patients developed an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) in response to the vitamin E treatment.
Not only are there no scientific examples of vitamin E resulting in scar improvement, many doctors and dermatologists advise against the topical use of vitamin E on scars.
Benefits
Vitamin E has powerful natural antioxidant properties protecting the body from free radical damage. It is an important component of the immune system, adds to the creation of red blood cells and is essential for DNA maintenance.
There is significant evidence vitamin E can protect against heart disease and it is thought to slow the aging process. Vitamin E protects artery walls and keeps the “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from being oxidized. It also supports prostate and breast health and is good for your brain.
Vitamin E containing foods
This useful vitamin is especially found in seeds, nuts, cereals and vegetables. A few examples of foods high in vitamin e are; avocado, olive oil, almonds and spinach.
By: Mike Van Lint
Posts Tagged ‘Antioxidant Properties’
Benefits of Vitamin E – Does Vitamin E Fade Scars?
April 23rd, 2010Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
December 16th, 2009The fat soluble Vitamin E is actually a combination of chemical compounds that include alpha-tocopherol. All tissues in the body contain Vitamin E, but the largest quantities are located in the pituitary glands and the suprarenal glands. Since the body does not produce this vitamin, it must rely on the diet or supplementation for its recommended daily requirements.
Vitamin E is another of the important vitamins that benefit the body in many different ways. First and foremost, it has antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals and protect the body against the damaging effects they can cause. Along with Vitamins C and Vitamin A, these antioxidants help slow the aging process and can help prevent prostate and other types of cancer.
Another important benefit of Vitamin E is that it helps keep LDL levels low. LDL is the bad form of cholesterol that over time can build up within the walls of the arteries and lead to heart disease and blood clotting.
Vitamin E encourages the proper development of muscles. It can help boost the effectiveness of the immune system, primarily by making it more resistant to bacterial and viral infections. Working together with Vitamin C and beta carotenes, Vitamin E can help prevent the development of cataracts.
Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is abundant in many different types of food. Sweet potatoes and mangoes are rich in Vitamin E. Several oils including sesame, sunflower, peanut, safflower, olive, soybean and corn are good sources of Vitamin E. Nuts also contain sufficient levels of Vitamin E making walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds excellent snack foods. Butter, margarine, eggs, wheat germ, wheat germ oil, soya, yams, spinach, broccoli, corn, avocados, fortified cereals and liver are other good sources. Green vegetables, however, contain small amounts of Vitamin E.
Note that food storage and preparation can significantly deplete the Vitamin E content of these foods. Freezing, processing, preserving and exposing these foods to air are the biggest Vitamin E degraders.
The recommended daily intake of Vitamin E is 12 milligrams. However, people who smoke cigarettes are advised to increase Vitamin E levels to counteract the increased stress on the lungs that is caused by cigarette smoke. Interestingly, air pollution can cause the same type of lung stress so those living in areas frequently subjected to air pollution should also increase their daily intake.
Symptoms of a Vitamin E Deficiency
Since Vitamin E is contained in so many different foods and because the body is capable of storing this fat soluble vitamin, Vitamin E deficiencies are very rare. However they do occur and the symptoms can be severe. Gradual degradation of the kidneys is one notable risk associated with this type of deficiency. Reproductive problems including infertility as well as an increase in the risk of a miscarriage are also potential problems.
Lethargy, anemia and an overall loss of balance are other symptoms adults with a Vitamin E deficiency may experience. And if not addressed, over time, the body will simply begin to waste away.
By: John Spencer Ellis
Vitamins for You & Your Family!
October 14th, 2009Vitamins are an integral part of our lives. Vitamins have been proven to protect us from a number of different diseases. Many of the beneficial effects of vitamins on our health have been linked to their antioxidant properties. Vitamins found in supreme antioxidant are vitamins C, E and A. These vitamins work in concert with each other. Vitamin A has many unique benefits but mostly is a very effective antioxidant. Vitamin A, also called retinol, helps your eyes adjust to light changes when you come in from outside and also helps keep your eyes, skin and mucous membranes moist. Vitamin A mostly comes from animal foods.
But some plant-based foods supply beta-carotene, which your body then converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important for maintaining good vision. A vitamin A (retinol) deficiency can cause night blindness (even total blindness) and a greatly lowered resistance to infection.Vitamin B12 has very important benefits because a deficiency can lead to serious health complications such as nerve damage, weak muscles, depression, memory problems, fatigue, anemia, and stunted growth in children. Other benefits include the formation and regeneration of red blood cells. Vitamin B1 works with other B vitamins to release the energy we get from food.
Vitamin C antioxidant which helps to protect against free radicals, fight infection, boost iron absorption, and maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and gums. Vitamin C has many benefits you may already be aware of including a pivotal role in the production of collagen, an ability to help the healing of wounds. Vitamin B6 also helps to maintain a healthy nervous system and produce mood-regulating serotonin. Also needed for the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells and antibodies that help fight infection. Vitamin E is protects of cell membranes as well as maintaining healthy skin, immunity, nerves, muscles and red blood cells.
Vitamin K has good benefits such as blood clotting and helping to strengthen bones and counter osteoporosis. Vitamin K also helps to build and maintain strong bones. Vitamin B12 is required for the normal activity of nerve cells, and works with folate and vitamin B6 to lower blood levels of homocysteine, a chemical in the blood that is thought to contribute to heart disease. Thiamin (B1) involved in the release of energy from carbohydrate. It is important for the brain and nerves, which use glucose for their energy needs. Folate involved in the formation of blood cells. Folate reduces the risk of Neural tube defects in babies.
By: Juliet Cohen
