Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in eight forms and acts as an important antioxidant. It is used widely in skin creams and lotions due its abilities of skin healing. It is also known for reducing scars and burns on the skin aiding healthy skin cell reproduction.

Natural vitamin E is found in four different tocopherols and four different tocotrienols. The natural sources of vitamin E mainly come from vegetable oils like olive oil, soybean oil, corn, sunflower and palm oil. Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, peanut butter and fish are other whole healthy sources of vitamin E.

Alpha tocopherol is the most active type of vitamin E in humans and constitutes a powerful and natural antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells against harmful effects such as free radicals that damage the body's metabolism. Vitamin E deficiency occurs when a person cannot seem to absorb dietary fat. This type of person is usually premature infant that have rare disorders of fat metabolism. Poor nerve conduction may have something to do with it too. In this case, vitamin E supplements are needed. It also occurs in adults that do not have to ability to absorb fat. Those with stomach problems or stomach related diseases such as Crone's disease; pancreatic insufficiency or liver disease may suffer from vitamin E deficiency.

Some recent studies have suggested that vitamin E may prevent or slow down the process of coronary heart disease by limiting oxidation of cholesterol. It can also help prevent blood clots, which may result in a heart attack. Studies of shown that individuals who take a regular and whole supply of vitamin E through natural or supplementary sources, seem to have less of a chance of heart attack either no or in later life. It may also be effective in the fight against cancer. It can block the formation of nitrosamines and can boost the immune system. More research needs to be done to conclude this theory though. Some research suggests that antioxidants that vitamin E produces have been playing a crucial role in counteracting against blurred vision and cataracts.

Nowadays it is very common to see vitamin E in other manufactured products. Apart from obvious capsules that are there for supplementary purposes, there exist many other products such as vitamin E enriched cereals and other foods that are fortified. These are helpful because natural sources of vitamin E are crucial, but cooking it in any fashion destroys the goodness of it. It is therefore important that enriched foods exist so humans can still acquire their RDA of vitamin E.

Because this vitamin is cheap to harvest and is grown and cultivated all around the world, it is easy to see why it has become so popular. Used for medicinal and health benefits, it shows how much it has become part of our lives. It is recommended to take a certain amount of vitamins and minerals everyday to help our immune system stay working at 100%. It is also advised not to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals as they may cause serious side effects and affect certain bodily processes.

If you are unsure about taking supplements, contact your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can advise you on the best plan of action and give you more information about specific vitamins and minerals. It is advised to seek consultation especially if you are pregnant or currently taking any medication as this can affect the intake of supplements. Go to a registered pharmacy and make sure you read all the instructions on dosage and follow them strictly. More information can be found on the Internet too.