M. H.

Watertown, Massachusetts

Small studies in lab animals suggested that vitamin E supplements helped prevent heart disease and cancer. Although these health claims were widely reported, they 
just didn’t hold up after more testing.

But don’t give up on vitamin E. The nutrient is a family of eight antioxidants that prevent cell damage. The research mentioned above focused solely on one of its forms (alpha tocopherol). Today, researchers are exploring natural and synthetic versions of E for eye diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and cancers. Until we know more, experts generally recommend getting E from foods such as spinach, almonds, oils, and fortified cereals. Supplements with “mixed tocopherols” most closely match the E in foods.

Vitamin E Update The Saturday Evening Post

My mother has blotches on her arms and legs that look like blood vessels have burst below the skin surface. They spread across the arms and/or legs and are purple and black in color. It’s very distressing to her. What causes these to appear, and how might we address the problem?

R
Alabama

Keep Skin Moist to Prevent Bruising The Saturday Evening Post