They are arranged in order of importance and availability. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances immune function and protects against cancer, heart disease, diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease. In addition to enhanced cell-mediated immunity, they found vitamin E reduced formation of lipid peroxides, which can damage cell membranes and arterial lining cells and eventually lead to heart disease and diminished cellular function. Vitamin E also restored the levels of interleukins 2 and 6 to those seen in younger people, thereby restoring normal immune function. More recent studies show immune benefit with vitamin E doses as low as 200 IU per day.
Many studies show vitamin E protects against different cancers.
A 1989 report said serum levels of vitamin E are a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol. This was a small eight-month trial with 36 patients, After four months, circulation to the retinal vessels improved in patients who took 1800 IU vitamin E per day, and the improvement was maintained during the withdrawal period. Retinopathy and nephropathy are but two examples of the accelerated aging process in diabetics that can be slowed down by vitamin E supplements. Vitamin C, another protective antioxidant, reduces the risk of age-related diseases, including oxidative damage. One sign of this damage is abnormal function of cells lining the arteries, called endothelium.