Vitamin E

Vitamin E was considered as a plain nutrient in the past, with not much of contribution in fighting any disease. However, the ongoing studies have managed to reveal that this vitamin, if taken in recommended dose regularly, can work miraculously to maintain a good health. The most significant of these achievements has been the ability of vitamin E to improve insulin sensitivity, thereby saving the diabetics from the risk of heart failures.

Vitamin E is a member of antioxidant group and as a result, this nutrient can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks in diabetes patients. A study conducted by American College of Cardiology in 1996 concluded that subjects taking Recommended Dietary Allowances of vitamin E suffered from non-fatal heart attacks. Vitamin E is also found to reduce the level of plasma glucose, fatty acids and overall cholesterol value in patients suffering from type-2 diabetes.

Apart from this, it has also been proved by research that people consuming less amount of vitamin E on regular basis have severe chances of developing type-2 diabetes. Hence, deficiency of Vitamin E in your diet can introduce diabetes in the people, leading to other associated problems as well. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed in its May 1993 issue that daily doses of vitamin E helps the body to make better utilization of stored glucose and also improve the production and action of insulin in patients of type-2 diabetes.

Vitamin E can be found in foods like eggs, green leafy vegetables like spinach, vegetable oils, fruits, nuts, fortified cereals and whole grains.

The United States Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Vitamin E

Breast-feeding mothers 28.5 IU
14+ yrs 22.5 IU
9-13 years 16.5 IU
4-8 yrs 10.5 IU
1-3 yrs 9 IU
Infants 6 -7.5 IU
It should be noted that all these RDA values are recommended on per day basis.

The diabetes patients should consume vitamin E in their diet on daily basis. However, sudden increase in the supplemental high doses can lead to problems like hemorrhage. Hence, it is important that you consult your doctor and get appropriate recommendations for Vitamin E dose in your diet.