The science supporting the use of typical Vitamin E is based on research that dates back some 70 years. In 1944 the test for International Unit (IU) of vitamin E potency was established and it remains unchanged today. Despite advancement in modern scientific technologies, most dietary supplement manufacturers fail to act on current research. Even more surprising is the IU test measures female rat fertility which has little to do with human health.
Of the 8 naturally occurring vitamin E molecules mother nature has provided us, only one measures high in international units (iu). This has lead to the belief that only one form of vitamin E is needed for human health. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Vitamin E should contain all 8 naturally occurring forms of vitamin E found in fresh, whole food
About 99% of supplements on the market today contain only one of the eight vitamin E molecules. The few supplements that do contain all eight, have a completely unnatural ratio. In other words, these supplements are not what Mother Nature intended, or could ever provide.
Although the science will continue to advance, it appears the most important of the group, gamma tocopherol, is the one most likely not found in your vitamin supplement. Even if present, too much typical vitamin E will keep gamma tocopherol from functioning properly.
There is a natural balance between these vitamins that exist in nature and this balance is important for human health. Research documents a natural competition between the vitamin E isomers and excessive intake of one will limit the availability and functionality of the others.
This is very important information because we are just starting to discover the unique actions of the different vitamin E isomers. We now know that gamma tocopherol provides unique antioxidant protection against one of the most damaging oxidative reactions.
Unlike typical vitamin E, Vitamin E8 should contain all 8 naturally occurring forms of vitamin E in similar amounts found in fresh, whole food