Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that works to protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that result from normal metabolism as well as from exposure to factors in the environment like cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light. They cause damage to body cells by attacking the cell's membranes, proteins and DNA and ultimately contribute to the development of health problems such as heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin E is also a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms with powerful antioxidant activity, the most active being a-tocopherol. Antioxidants protect cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E is one of 13 vitamins essential to body metabolism, cell growth and function. It is also known as tocopherol and is an antioxidant important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin-K-mediated clotting factors. Sources of dietary intake include wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus and other green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and products made from vegetable oils, such as margarine. On average, dietary intake of vitamin E is 10 IU per day. Multivitamin pills usually contain 30 IU to 60 IU of vitamin E.

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves wound healing. Some studies have shown that vitamin E decreases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast disease.

Nutritionists categorize vitamins by the materials that a vitamin will dissolve in. There are two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins and vitamins A, D, E and k are stored in the fat tissues of the body for a few days to up to six months. If you get too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in your liver and may sometimes cause health problems. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Cataracts are abnormal growths in the lens of the eye, which cloud vision and can lead to blindness. Scientists are looking at antioxidants to see whether they can help prevent or delay cataract growth. So far, their tests have shown that lens clarity, which is used to diagnose cataracts, was better in regular users of vitamin E supplements.

The facts about Vitamin E show that you can reap the most benefits by taking the natural form (most products on the market use the cheaper, synthetic version) and by taking small dosages along with other nutrients that can not only enhance the benefits, but also offset any of the negative effects.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that the body uses to snatch up free radicals. It is also used in the body to regulate cell metabolism, protect Vitamin C from oxidizing, acts at an anti clotting agent, and aids in the production of red blood cells.