The ABCs Of Vitamin E (NAPSA)—Back when I was studying to become a registered dietitian, scientists did not know a lot about the various functions of vitamin E. A lot has been learned in the past 20 years about the importance of vitamin E for overall health. A recent study found that whole grain breakfast cereal supplies vitamin E in an easy-toabsorb form, says Dr. Maret G. Traber, of the Linus Pauling Institute in Corvallis, Oregon. Dr. Traber’s research shows that the amountof vitamin E that is w absorbed from one Mindy Hermann serving of Whole Grain Total (which is fortified with 30 IU vitamin E) and 1 cup skim milk is greater than that from a typical vitamin E supplement (400 IU) taken without food. Here’s the good news— fortified ready-to-eat cereal is the third top source of vitamin E for American adults. The natural form of vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, is an antioxidant that helps protect cells in the body from damaging substances. Vitamin E prevents fat from becoming rancid, a process called oxidation. Oxidation is caused by unstable molecules and has been linked to numerous conditions, including premature aging, cataracts, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation. Vita- min E also helps keep platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. Top Sources of Vitamin E Vegetable oils Regular salad dressings Fortified ready-to-eat breakfast cereals Nuts and seeds Leafy green vegetables @ Vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning that it is present in fat in foods and in the body. In fact, the best food sources of vitamin E are fat-containing foods—vegetable oils and the germ portion of whole grains. When whole grains are processed, the germ portion of the grain, along with its vitamin E, is removed. It can be a challenge to get enough vitamin E. Why? Because people who follow a lower fat diet usually include fewer portions of vegetable oils, a major source of vitamin E. In addition, the Insti- tute of Medicine recently increased its daily vitamin E recom- mendation from 10 milligrams to 15 milligramsfor adults. Ask Mindy Q: Could I get the same benefit from taking a vitamin E supplement? A: According to Dr. Traber, vitamin E supplements are not well absorbed if they are taken with a low fat breakfast. (Supplements are absorbed best when taken with a fat-rich meal, like dinner.) Whole grain cereals and othervitamin E sources also supply other important nutrients and compoundsnot found in supplements. wanneenne- eee ne- ee nee ee nee OND aoe ene ne ene --- eee ee -eeNote to Editors: This is Series IV—26of26.
