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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND VITAMIN E Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and provides many other benefits to patients with Multiple Sclerosis. 1. Vitamin E is the body's primary lipid soluble antioxidant. ANTIOXIDANT Vitamin E is the body's primary fat (lipid) soluble antioxidant. It is very important in protecting myelin and other lipid membranes from free-radical damage. DETOXIFICATION / HEAVY METALS Vitamin E, in combination with Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene can help detoxify heavy metals (mercury and lead for example) and also many environmental toxins. OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS Vitamin C is used to regenerate Vitamin E and increase its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E seem to be more effective when Coenzyme Q-10 supplements are also taken. Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q-10 taken with Selenium may increase the antioxidant capabilities of Selenium BLOOD CLOTTING Vitamin E act may slow the clotting of blood. This effect may lessen the blood-brain barrier damage that Multiple Sclerosis patients suffer because of abnormal clotting platelets. SAFETY / CAUTIONS Check with your doctor before using vitamin E if you are also taking any other blood thinners. Some authors recommend avoiding Vitamin E for about one month prior to any surgery. Occasionally, Vitamin E supplementation, particularly in higher doses, can raise blood pressure. DOSAGE Published recommendation range from 200 IU per day up to 1200 IU per day. 400 IU to 800 IU seems to be a common dose. For maximum effect, Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene supplement should also be used. Coenzyme Q-10 may also be beneficial |