I needed to disable self sign-ups because I’ve been getting too many spam-type accounts. Thanks.
Excerpt from the 2021 study: "Vitamin E: How much is enough, too much and why!" by Maret G. Traber & Brian Head
Well astaxanthin is also very effective antioxidant, but it's not a vitamin.
Astaxanthin is not an essential antioxidant, that's why.
Here's what your source Maret Traber says vitamin E is:
Vitamin E, Antioxidant and Nothing More
All of the naturally occurring vitamin E forms, as well as those of synthetic all rac-α-tocopherol, have relatively similar antioxidant properties, so why does the body prefer α-tocopherol as its unique form of vitamin E? We propose the hypothesis that all of the observations concerning the in vivo mechanism of action of α-tocopherol result from its role as a potent lipid soluble antioxidant. The purpose of this review then is to describe the evidence for α-tocopherol’s in vivo function and to make the claim that α-tocopherol’s major vitamin function, if not only function, is that of a peroxyl radical scavenger.
I think what she wrote is wrong (vitamin E regulates genetic expression) but regardless:
Tocotrienols can do that better. That means they are vitamin E too. Vitamin E is not just alpha tocopherol.
@arket wrote:
People get all kinds of adverse effects from astaxanthin like erectile problems. Alpha tocopherol has been shown to actually recover lost erectile function.
Astaxanthin itself probably isn't that toxic. It tends to be the carotenoid breakdown products that are responsible for the toxic effects. Could be a similar situation with gamma tocopherol.
I just yesterday watched one of Garrett Smith's testimonials where his male patient had low testosterone and zero libido and poor erectile function. Smith was able to raise the testosterone level to very impressive high numbers, but the patient still has zero libido and poor erectile function. Could it be that this patient lacks vitamin e because of vA toxicity and the diet that Smith recommends does not contain enough vE at all. Also Smith avoids vE because he thinks it's a toxin.
Health conditions are rarely as simple as one factor that needs to be corrected.
The patient's erectile dysfunction may be a nitric oxide synthase issue. Hypervitaminosis A causes an inhibition of that enzyme. L-arginine may be a temporary fix. Other things can inhibit that enzyme e.g. cadmium toxicity.
The right way to improve most health problems is with a holistic focus as well as a specific focus. That way you are improving overall organ function which is necessary for successfully resolving most complaints.
Low dose vitamin E supplementation would normally be in my holistic focus basket.
Just wanted to add, astaxanthin in supplemental amounts could have all sorts of direct toxic effects, maybe it could also inhibit nitric oxide synthase.
The reason why I try supplementing alpha tocopherol and mixed tocopherols is that when I couple of years ago used to take those two I had very good erection even though I was my highest point of vA toxicity. Now my erections are just ok, just meh. I'm sure it will improve over time when I deplete vA stores, but I want to try does vE improve it sooner.