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Those of you who have read my book or listen to my radio show know that I have been a long time advocate of Vitamin E complex. I attribute much of my good health at this age to being certain that I get ample amounts of the antioxidants of which Vitamin E and Vitamin C are extremely important. I found this on the website of Betty Kamen (a leading nutritionist) and it emphasizes what I have always taught about Vitamin E. Read it and take heed for your life's sake!

Dr. Wright

Nutrition Hints from Betty Kamen, PhD, and Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, MD Copyright © 2002 by Nutrition Encounter, all rights reserved. May be redistributed only with full attribution and a link to www.bettykamen.com

Hint #1254: Aging, exercise & vitamin E

If you want to slow the aging process, moderate exercise plus 800 IU of vitamin E daily are the dynamic duo that significantly decreases levels of a blood marker contributing to aging and disease.

800 international units of vitamin E is well over the recommended daily allowance of 30 international units, but exercise is thought to increase the production of free radicals and the requirements for dietary antioxidants such as vitamin E.

We already know that antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, could help protect the body against free radicals, thought to also play a role in the development of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and several other age-related diseases.

Free radical damage may be cut in half, reported the researchers who measured a key byproduct of the impact of free radicals in participants in this study. Those in a group taking vitamin E , but not exercising, also showed a significant reduction in their systolic blood pressure (an average of almost seven points).

The group who exercised and took vitamin E had an average drop of about 15 points in their systolic blood pressure and about five points in their diastolic blood pressure, as well as increased weight loss and significant improvement in resting oxygen uptake, a measure of cardiovascular fitness and endurance. A sedentary group not taking vitamin E showed no significant changes.

Exercise produces extra, significant benefits such as weight loss, improved cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. However even adults who cannot exercise should take vitamin E because of its clear benefits to aging and systolic blood pressure.

The study suggests that currently recommended intakes of vitamin E might not be enough for older adults. [The best form of vitamin E is the entire E complex.]

Source: Biological Research for Nursing 2003;5(1).

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