High Levels of All Eight Forms of Vitamin E May Lower Risk of MCI and Alzheimer's
A recent study suggests that supplementation with all eight forms of vitamin E may noticeably reduce the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, an ailment that can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
The study found that the risk of mild cognitive impairment was 15% lower in people with the highest levels of all eight forms of vitamin E. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 8% lower.
The eight forms of vitamin E are four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta). The researchers emphasized that all eight forms are necessary to see the positive effects shown here.
The researchers examined data from the AddNeuroMed-Project, which included 168 participants with Alzheimer's, 166 with mild cognitive impairment, and 187 with no cognitive issues. When they compared vitamin E levels, they found that the people suffering from cognitive decline had lower levels of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and total vitamin E.
The joint study was conducted by researchers in several European countries. Their findings were published in the October 2012 issue of the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
Vitamin E has been linked to lower cholesterol, healthier skin, maintaining a proper hormonal balance, and preventing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
If you’re looking to add more vitamin E to your diet, try eating more sunflower seeds, breakfast cereal, tomatoes, dried herbs, and dried apricots.