October 2005 Newsletter

The Truth about Vitamin E
Dr. James Forsythe answers your questions

Despite the negative publicity and the recent controversial Johns Hopkins study on vitamin E, there is no proof that the antioxidant is harmful. In fact, many well-accepted studies have demonstrated vitamin E is both safe and effective in boosting immune functions and preventing heart disease and cancer. Renowned oncologist and homeopath, Dr. James Forsythe says there is no cause for concern. ”Vitamin E is not the first nutrient to come under suspicion. Vitamin C was reported to harden arteries, produce carcinogenic metabolites and very recently to promote arthritis. Yet vitamin C is thriving because of the many reports and the experience over many decades showing safety and efficacy. The same is true for vitamin E.”

Dr. Forsythe continues to see the benefits of vitamin E in his patients. “In many hundreds of clinical studies and in thousands of my patients I have seen over the years, it has been found to help protect against free radicals—destructive substances that have been clearly associated with heart disease and cancer.” Adding, “Vitamins are natural substances found within the human body and throughout the food supply; they are essential for life. And of all the vitamins, vitamin E is one of the best researched. Many hundreds of other studies have shown a wide array of benefits, that include boosting the immune system; treating fibrocystic breast disease, anticoagulation, and wound healing; improving vision by helping cataracts and macular degeneration; enhancing brain function by enhancing short-term memory and even reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s; and preventing respiratory infections in the elderly. I am warranted by the abundance of these and other studies to say that the safety of vitamin E is very high. Moreover, to the best of my knowledge, there has never been a study showing any significant side effects from vitamin E.”



			The Truth about Vitamin E Dr. James Forsythe answers your questions by Lisa Marie Wark* Despite the negative publicity and the recent controversial Johns Hopkins study on vitamin E, there is no proof that the antioxidant is harmful. In fact, many well-accepted studies have demonstrated vitamin E is both safe and effective in boosting immune functions and preventing heart disease and cancer. Renowned oncologist and homeopath, Dr. James Forsythe says there is no cause for concern. ”Vitamin E is not the first nutrient to come under suspicion. Vitamin C was reported to harden arteries, produce carcinogenic metabolites and very recently to promote arthritis. Yet vitamin C is thriving because of the many reports and the experience over many decades showing safety and efficacy. The same is true for vitamin E.” Dr. Forsythe continues to see the benefits of vitamin E in his patients. “In many hundreds of clinical studies and in thousands of my patients I have seen over the years, it has been found to help protect against free radicals—destructive substances that have been clearly associated with heart disease and cancer.” Adding, “Vitamins are natural substances found within the human body and throughout the food supply; they are essential for life. And of all the vitamins, vitamin E is one of the best researched. Many hundreds of other studies have shown a wide array of benefits, that include boosting the immune system; treating fibrocystic breast disease, anticoagulation, and wound healing; improving vision by helping cataracts and macular degeneration; enhancing brain function by enhancing short-term memory and even reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s; and preventing respiratory infections in the elderly. I am warranted by the abundance of these and other studies to say that the safety of vitamin E is very high. Moreover, to the best of my knowledge, there has never been a study showing any significant side effects from vitamin E.”

	Dr. Forsythe's Vitamin E Prescription		Do eat foods rich in vitamin E—nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, and leafy greens. The first three are high in “good” fats, but also calories, so don’t go overboard. There is promising research showing that the E in foods is healthful. And these foods contain other important nutrients as well. Other foods include wheat germ, corn, olives, and asparagus. I do advise most people to take a basic multivitamin, which typically contains a little more than the RDA for vitamin E. Vitamin E is available in many different forms. In its natural form, vitamin E is designated d-, as in-d-alpha-tocopherol, while its synthetic forms are dl-, as in dl-alpha-tocopherol. Our body only recognizes the d form. Although the l form has antioxidant activity, it may actually inhibit the d-form from entering cell membranes. Therefore, natural vitamin E (the d form) has greater benefit than the synthetic (dl). You should, therefore, take the natural (d-) form of vitamin E and avoid the synthetic. Natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E are truly different. Previous research has shown natural vitamin E is better retained and more biologically active than synthetic. To identify the kind of vitamin E in a supplement, you should read the ingredients listed on the label, and you can tell which is the natural vitamin (starts with "d," as in "d-alpha-tocopherol) and which is synthetic (begins with "dl.") Higher doses of vitamin E have been found effective in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Both forms of vitamin E are absorbed equally well through the gut, but the liver clearly prefers the natural form, transferring it to lipoproteins to be transported through the blood for deposition into the tissues. The natural vitamin E is retained by a two-to-one ratio over the synthetic. Natural vitamin E may cost 2 to 3 times more, but it is twice as effective. You can sometimes find the natural vitamin E included in a quality liquid multivitamin, at much lower cost. The best forms of vitamin E are found in these brands: Unique E; Vitamin E from Nature’s Sunshine; Vitamin E from Metagenics; and Vitamin E from Phytopharma Company. When it comes to dosage, each individual has different needs. Please call the Century Wellness Clinic during regular business hours 775-827-0707 or e-mail us questions at info@drforsythe.com regarding your specific needs.

	*Lisa Marie Wark is currently a free lance writer and is a business development consultant with a concentration in medical spas and alternative clinics. Currently she is President of MedSpas, a business development firm that provides physicians the necessary business tools to help them build or expand their practices into medical spa facilities. Wark was formerly an anchor and financial reporter for ON24 Financial News in San Francisco. In 2001, she was promoted to the main female anchor of three financial news broadcasts, covering a broad range of financial sectors and industries. Wark's hard work and persistence helped her land interviews with top executives from Fortune 500 companies that included the likes of Steve Forbes, former Republican Presidential candidate and Publisher of Forbes Magazine, Robert L. Crandall former American Airlines CEO who pioneered the first frequent flier mileage program AAdvantage, and Marc Andreesen, an Internet pioneer and creator of the Netscape browser.
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