New reseach has found that people aged over 65 who were found to have lower levels of Vitamin E performed worse on tests of basic ability. Researchers feel that the key to this may be that the Vitamin acts as an antioxidant.

The results from the tests held at Yale University School of Medicine suggests that an appropriate dietry intake of vitamin E may help to reduce the decline in physical function in older people. As only one person in the study used vitamin E supplements it is unknow if the same benefits can be gained through supplements compared to a suitable vitamin E diet.

Research has been carried out on vitamin E in its role in preventing or treating certain heart conditions. However some research has shown that very high amounts of vitamin E can be harmful. The recommended daily dose is 4mg for an adult or 3mg for a woman.

Further research would be required to confirm findings, but the British Nutrition Foundation pointed out that vitamin E deficiency is rare, but through dietary surveys many older people have have an inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals.

"Good nutrition can have a profound impact on healthy life expectancy and a good diet can help improve the quality of life in older adults."

Source : BBC News online
Date : 23/1/2008

Click HERE to read full Article