Vitamin E, or tocopherol, has been shown to exert a number of beneficial effects on influenza infection in animal studies (discussed below). A Russian study on humans showed that tocopherols lead to clinical improvement in influenza related pneumonia. PMID:9045374 (cache)
The low toxicity and low cost of vitamin E make a moderate supplement an attractive option for preparing for avian flu and other possible influenza infections.

In a study on mice, long term supplementation with vitamin E before infection was shown to reduce the activity of influenza A and B viruses. In particular, the vitamin lowered the amount of virus that was present in the lungs, lowered inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF) and reduced weight loss that was seen in mice not supplemented with vitamin E. Other anti-oxidants (glutathione, melatonin, strawberry extract) improved various measures of oxidation in the blood but did not reduce virus loads or signs of the disease. PMID:11034223 (cache)

A second study in mice showed that Vitamin E has beneficial effects on cytokine levels during influenza infections. Vitamin E increased levels of interferon and IL-2 while decreasing levels of TNF and IL-1. The researchers suggested that vitamin E did so by reducing levels of prostaglandin E2. PMID:10929076

Previous research showed that even short term administration of vitamin E could have protective effects against influenza, although a long term administration of modest amounts (400 IU) followed by an increase if bird flu becomes active is a more logical approach.

Other research on vitamin E and influenza showed that this vitamin can improve age related declines in NK killer cells in the immune system, and that there was a significant improvement in resisting influenza in older mice and a modest improvement in younger mice given supplemental vitamin E.
PMID:9207381 (cache)

Safety and Dosage

Overall, Vitamin E has an excellent safety profile. A 2005 review study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that vitamin E is safe for the general population in a wide range of doses. This article concludes that vitamin E supplements appear safe for most adults up to 1600 IU per day, and noted that "no consistent pattern of adverse effects has occurred at any intake." PMID:15817846 (cache)

There is a concern that this vitamin thins the blood slightly and large doses may be of concern if a person is on warfarin, coumadin, or other blood thinners. Many surgeons advise their patients to reduce or discontinue this vitamin if they know they will have surgery in the near future. However, a study in Japan involving a dose of 1200 IU for 28 days showed no changes in platelet aggregation, coagulation, and other clinical parameters related to blood clotting or general health. PMID:12026191 (cache)

In a review of vitamin E and pregnancy in the Cochrane Systematic Database, the question was raised as to whether vitamin E could reduce the risk of eclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnant women. Although not enough data was presented to make a firm conclusion, studies alleging this beneficial effect were noted, and no health warnings were given. PMID:15846695 (cache)

A 2005 study on pre-school children in the United States (in Lincoln, Nebraska) found that 91% had "less than adequate" levels of vitamin E in their diet. PMID:16169199 (cache) A study on the adult population of the U.S. also determined that 90% of Americans obtained less than the recommended amount of this essential nutrient from their diet. PMID:15753177 (cache)

A New Zealand study on diet and vitamin E status found that replacing many of the saturated fats with plant materials (particularly nuts and vegetables) increased tocopherols by 12 IU per day. This may be enough to lead to improvements in health over a life time, but is unlikely to have a strong antiviral effect as demonstrated in the animal studies on vitamin E and influenza. PMID:11464229 (cache)

A typical vitamin E supplement for adults is in the range of 100 to 800 IU per day.

Vitamin E is partially absorbed through the skin, and it makes an excellent topical treatment for sun burn. This transdermal method of absorption may be of value for those too sick to hold down food or absorb it through the intestines.

Natural or Synthetic?

Much of the less expensive vitamin E available today is semi-synthetic; it was produced in a laboratory using less expensive starting materials. Some concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of semi-synthetic vitamin E. In nature, all vitamin E molecules are 'right handed.' Half of the synthetic form of vitamin E is left-handed. At best, these left handed tocopherols are inactive and useless. There is some evidence that the left handed synthetic molecules may interfere with the ability of the body to use normal right handed vitamin E. I personally use only natural vitamin E, which is labeled as d-tocopherol. The synthetic form has the "dl-" designation on the ingredients.

Alpha-Tocopherol or Mixed Tocopherols?

Alpha-tocopherol does have potent vitamin E activity, but it is not the only type of vitamin E. The beta, gamma, delta and other tocopherols also have significant benefits. Although the research is not unanimous, it appears that a mix of different tocopherols may be better for long term health maintainence than a mix with only alpha-tocopherol.

Value Buys on Vitamin E

It's easy to spend a lot of money on vitamin E in health food stores and pharmacies, where a 100% mark-up is the norm. But making a purchase at a wharehouse club or with an established mail order/internet company can bring the price way down.



One good value is Vitacost's NSI Natural Vitamin E — 400 IU - 100 Softgels. The cost for a daily dose of 400 IU is around six cents U.S. Another good value Nature's Way Vitamin E D-Alpha Tocopherol which costs about 7 cents for a 400 IU capsule. Swanson Vitamin's has one of the least expensive mixed natural tocopherols; the Swanson Premium Brand Natural Vitamin E costs less than 3 cents for 400 IU.

Disclaimer H5N1 Avian Flu Copyright