• In nature, vitamin E exists as a group of 8 related compounds—4 tocopherols (alpha, beta, delta and gamma) and 4 tocotrienols. Isolated alpha tocopherol is not equivalent to vitamin E.

• DL-alpha tocopherol is synthetic, D-alpha tocopherol is natural (though still isolated and missing itʼs companion tocoʼs).

• To convert mg to iu of natural vitamin E, multiply by 1.5. For synthetic vitamin E, multiply by 2.22. For example, 12-60 mg/kg synthetic alpha-tocopherol used in an animal study translates to 1,800-9,000 iu of natural vitamin E in a 150 lb human.

• Taking isolated alpha-tocopherol depletes the other tocopherols, particularly gamma (which makes up about 70% of our dietary intake of tocopherols) [Huang et al., 2003].

• In studies evaluating the various tocopherols, gamma- and delta-tocopherol demonstrated potent anticancer effects while alpha-tocopherol was ineffective [Yang et al., 2012].

• Antioxidant nutrients work synergistically against cancer. When researchers tested 4 antioxidant nutrients alone and in combination, they found single nutrients ineffective while antioxidant combinations strongly suppressed tumor growth by up to 85% [Prasad et al., 2004; Ramesha et al., 1990].

• Thereʼs no such thing as a single nutrient acting as an antioxidant: rather, the antioxidants are a network of nutrients working synergistically, passing the free electron “hot potato” until it cools . When an antioxidant nutrient quenches a free radical, it becomes oxidized can then act as a free radical. Supportive antioxidants are needed to recycle it back to itʼs antioxidant state. The oxidized form of vitamin E needs adequate supplies of ß-carotene and vitamin C to be regenerated. If the other members of the network are not also supplied, they can become depleted, and the study is really measuring the effects of depletion of these nutrients, not a true “antioxidant” effect.

• The goal is Redox Balance, not eradication of all free radicals! Oxidation isnʼt necessarily bad, it is necessary in controlled amounts for our metabolism, energy production, detoxification and immune function. We need a BALANCE between oxidation and antioxidants.

• Vitamin E (and antioxidant) requirements differ from one person to the next depending on dietary intake of polyunsaturated oils, and exposure to factors that increase oxidation. So a dose of 400iu vitamin E may be too much for one person, just right for another, and excessive in someone else.

• A well-designed intervention study shouldnʼt give each person the same dose of vitamin E (or other antioxidants). Rather, each personʼs level of oxidation should be measured and their doses tailored to provide the same level of redox balance.

• There are several different methods for measuring oxidative stress or testing antioxidant capacity, none of which has been established as the gold standard. Some methods better measure lipid oxidation, others assess aqueous components. Well designed studies often use several of the measurements to give an overall picture.

• Do we really need to avoid antioxidants in order to kill cancer cells? Measuring 15 antioxidants and 9 markers of oxidation in cancer patients undergoing radiation, one study reported that those with the highest blood levels of antioxidants and robust levels of oxidative stress had an 80% reduced risk of cancer progression and an 87% reduced risk of death [Sakhi et al., 2009].

• Charles Simone, MD, published a review of 50 human studies including 8,521 patients (of whom 5,081 were given antioxidant supplements during their cancer treatments). These studies have consistently shown that antioxidants do not interfere with cancer treatments. Rather, they enhanced the killing effects of chemotherapy and radiation, decrease side effects and toxicity, while protecting normal tissue. In the 15 studies that reported survival data, the 3,738 patients taking antioxidants actually had increased survival [Simone et al., 2007a, 2007b].

Are you taking vitamin E?If itʼs alpha tocopherol, switch toa complete product that offers

mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols.

What You Should Know about Research on Antioxidants & Cancer© 2014 Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CNC • www.Nutritional-Solutions.net