Several Forms of Vitamin E Protect Against Memory Disorders

Researchers claim that elderly people with high serum vitamin E levels are less likely to suffer from various memory disorders.

The study, documented in the edition of Experimental Gerontology, claims that several forms of Vitamin E protect the elderly against memory disorders when compared to those with low levels of the vitamin.  The researchers claim that vitamin E plays a crucial role in memory process.

This study was carried out by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland, the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Perugia.

Previous research has looked at the association between Vitamin E and memory disorders. However, these studies limited themselves to finding the benefits of α-tocopherol that is present in vitamin supplements.

The current study highlights that vitamin E is available in eight different natural forms that include tocopherols and tocotrienols. The main function of vitamin E is to play the role of an antioxidant. Also, it is known that vitamin is associated with neurological functions.

The latest study was conducted on 140 Finnish people of the age 65 years and above. None of the subjects had a history of memory impairment and were followed for eight years.

At the end of the study the researchers noticed that elderly adults with higher levels of vitamin E, and higher levels of γ-tocopherol, β-tocotrienol and tocotrienols had low risk of memory disorder. Also it was seen the Vitamin E plays a major role in memory process.

Vitamin E- the fat soluble antioxidant can be obtained via food. Vitamin E is said to protect against toxins present in air, against neurological disorder like Alzheimer's disease, eye disorders and diabetes, It reduced the level of cholesterol and lowers the risk of developing cancer.