Vitamin E ( or Alpha Tocopherols)

Vitamin E is one the most potent antioxidant substances, it has the potential to protect body from the destructive capability of Free radicals and these are molecules with available electrons for reaction with cells, tissues and their components. Oxidative stress caused by them is one of the important chain of events which lead to the atherosclerosis and subsequent damaging consequences responsible for Angina, stroke, Heart attack, Peripheral arterial disease and many other problems present in Diabetics. Free radicals may also be responsible for diseases like cancer. Besides being an antioxidant there are many oother fuctions attributed to vit D involved in cell signalling, regulation of gene expression and metabolic processes.

Deficiency of Vitamin D

Deficiency of Vitamin D by itself is very rare, may cause nerve damage, Deficiency may be a result of diseases of other organs of the body like intestines and liver. Chronic diseases which affect the absorption of food like Colitis, cystic fibrosis or Celiac disease may affect the absorption of Vit E and other fat soluble Vitamins.

Sources of Vitamin E

Wheatgerm is one of the richest natural sources sources of vit E. 

Vegetables & Fruits

Green vegetables like Asparagus, Spinach, other green leafy vegetables, wholegrain foods, Avocado pears,

Oils and oil seeds

Red Palm oil, Corn oil, Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Canola oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, Nuts and seeds

Milk and Milk products

Significance in Diabetes 

It has been shown that the damage to pancreas itself - which results in the loss of capability to secrete insulin is caused by free radicals at some stage. A number of complications of Diabetes are also attributed to free radicals and oxidative stress. Vitamin E being a potent antioxidant may play a vital role in preventing or delaying these complications, Even though none of the studies conducted till yet have shown and advantage of regular consumption of vitamin E supplements in high doses. But it is prudent to include foods which contain Vitamin D but in appropriate quantities.

It has been shown in some studies that vitamin E supplementation may blunt the increase in HDL caused by Niacin.

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