Vitamin E Complex
Vitamin E is also called alpha-tocopherol. However, as discussed in
the previous chapter, alpha-tocopherol is only one of eight com-
pounds in the vitamin E “complex.” The alpha-tocopherol fraction of
the E complex does not normally exist alone in nature but usually
occurs with three other tocopherols — beta, delta and gamma — and
four tocotrienols that include alpha, beta, delta and gamma.
Almost all vitamin E supplements come in this isolated form of
alpha-tocopherol, or sometimes in a synthetic version. Some products
are labeled “mixed tocopherols” which usually is mostly alpha with
very little of the other tocopherols and no tocotrienols.
Immune System
Immune-system support is the most important role of antioxidants
and other immune-related compounds. Nutrients that help support
the immune system provide maximum protection against the onset of
cancer and other chronic disease. As discussed later in this book, one
important purpose of certain immune nutrients is to help the body
produce its most powerful antioxidant called glutathione. In addition
to natural forms of vitamin C and E, other nutrients that promote glu-
tathione antioxidant activity include lipoic acid, the amino acid cys-
teine (sometimes in the form of N-acetyl-cysteine) and sulforaphan, a
sulfur compound in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale,
Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
Two- to three-day-old broccoli sprouts (before their leaves turn
green) have the highest levels of sulforaphan. Traditional antioxidant
supplements are void of these naturally occurring powerful com-
pounds. Both alpha-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol are also more
powerful antioxidants than either alpha-tocopherol or vitamin C.
Other phytonutrients, including limonene, naringin and tan-
geretin support the process of apoptosis — a reaction that triggers the
death of cancer cells. These compounds are found in the skins of cit-
rus fruits. An ideal supplement to support immune function may also
contain key elements in real foods such as the full spectrum of
carotenoids, including lycopene, along with health-promoting com-
pounds found in turmeric and ginger.
140 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH