Vitamin E Complex with Mixed Tocopherols

Vitamin E Complex with Mixed Tocopherols

(Country Life)

For several years I took Twinlab’s Super E Complex, which contains 400 IUs of vitamin E. I mainly took it because higher doses of vitamin E are supposed to help with post-workout soreness and recovery. But then a study came out in the fall of 2004 that taking more than 300 IUs of vitamin E can increase the risk of heart disease, not decrease it as earlier thought. As a result, I began taking the Super E only every other day. But after a while, the large bottle I had spoiled, and I just didn’t bother getting another as it didn’t seem worth it with the possible problems.

But then at the beginning of 2010 I read a study on the Web that high doses of vitamin E can help with allergies. That study used 800 IUs, but with the earlier study, that seemed way too much. As such, I initially tried a 400 IU product, but the thought of the earlier study still concerned me. Then I came across Country Life’s Vitamin E Complex with Mixed Tocopherols. It comes in different strengths: 200, 400, and 1000 IUs. I went with the 200 IU level. That way, I’d be below the 300 IU level that the study found problems with.

This product does seem to help a little with my allergies. Not much, but given how cheap it is, it is worth taking it for that little benefit. I tried taking two a day, but that provided no further benefit, so I will stick with just the one softgel for 200 IUs a day. It should also be noted that this product contains “Mixed Tocopherols.” Most other vitamin E products only contain alpha tocopherol. But vitamin E in nature is actually composed of four different tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. All four of these are found in this product. Such a mixture gives the vitamin E greater antioxidant power than alpha tocopherol alone.

Another advantage is this was the only vitamin E supplement I could find that did not contain soy oil. Since I am somewhat allergic to soy, that is a good thing.

June 21, 2014 Update

I stopped taking this product for a while as it didn't seem to be helping anymore. But recently I tied it once again, but it did not seem to help at all. So I stopped it altogether. I am probably getting enough vitamin E from my diet and my multi, so additional vitamin E is not needed. And given the info about the dangers of mega-dose vitamin E, it is probably best to avoid such products.

Moreover, this product is no longer available, but a similar product is Country Life Vitamin E Complex. It is available from Amazon or Nature Made, Vitamin E, 200 IU. It only contains alpha tocopherol, but it is soy free. It is available from iHerb and Amazon. For iHerb, when checking out, use referral code HOP815 to receive $5.00 off your first order.

The above article was posted on this site December 4, 2010.
The Update was added June 21, 2014.

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