Vitamin E for the Health of Your Heart

Deficiency of vitamin E is more predictive of heart disease and cardiac death than any other single factor

One of the most important nutrients to protect the heart is vitamin E. Yet according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, only 8% of adult men and 2.4% of adult women in the US met the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for alpha-tocopherol intake. Even worse, EARs are about 20% lower than the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs).

Although many factors are involved in creating heart disease low levels of vitamin E are more predictive of heart disease and cardiac death than any other single factor. Vitamin E inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing atherosclerosis. When you prevent atherosclerotic plaque, you automatically help to lower blood pressure.

In 1910, when heart disease was relatively rare, most people got at least 100 IU a day from freshly milled and baked stone ground whole wheat bread. Yet almost all Americans today fall considerably short of the RDA of 15 mg (22 IU) per day, while optimal health may require 400 IU/day or more, based on individual weight and state of health.

It is important to get a mix of tocopherols rather than just alpha-tocopherol, and to get natural vs. synthetic vitamin E. 

Beyond Health Vitamin E Formula is a balanced mix of natural tocopherols.