SUPER NUTRITION FOR COLD THERAPY: VITAMIN E
Preliminary studies have suggested that moderate amounts of vitamin E (in the range of 200 1U per day) assist phagocytes in destroying pathogenic invaders In contrast, a deficiency of vitamin E has been found to diminish antibody production and to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation in response to a non-self antigen.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it has a powerful capacity to neutralize free radicals (stray electrons which can reactively damage the genetic nucleus of body cells). Several studies have shown that in enhancing immunocompetence, vitamin E works synergistically with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and the mineral selenium.
It has also been observed that megadoses of vitamin E have had the opposite effect. They have inhibited immunocompetence and in some cases, they have increased Wood pressure. For this reason, many nutritionists suggest a daily maintenance dose of 100 IU of vitamin E during the cold season. During a cold, this can be increased to 200 IU, returning to the 100 IU dosage some two weeks later. It has also been suggested that during a cold, older people could take up to 400 IU per day because of poorer absorption potential. This amount should not be maintained for more than 14 days.
It is important to be certain that you are taking vitamin E only in the form of d-alpha or d-alpha tocopherol. Other varieties such as beta, delta or gamma tocopherol offer fewer benefits. For best absorption, the acetate form of alpha tocopherol is often preferred.
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