Vitamin E supercharges white blood cells

In the most recent study, a group of scientists from Tufts University fed older mice dietary supplements containing alpha-tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E) for six weeks. Older mice fed the supplement increased their bodies‘ response to infection. In fact, their white blood cells went into overdrive, responding to infection much quicker than the mice not given vitamin E.

Plus, the older mice given vitamin E also had higher levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) in their blood. IL-1 is a powerful protein produced by your white blood cells that helps your body fight infection. IL1 is so powerful in fact that scientists have tried to artificially replicate it in the lab and use it to treat cancer.

The good news is; you can probably boost your IL-1 just by taking an all-natural vitamin E supplement. (Yes, the study was conducted with mice, but solid evidence abounds connecting vitamin E with immune function in humans.

However...

Look closely before you buy

Vitamin E is a family of eight different molecules. Look for a gel capsule that contains 400 IU of 100 percent natural vitamin E with both tocopherols and tocotrienols. This will provide balanced antioxidant protection. Just skip any bottle that says it contains D1-alpha. This means it‘s a synthetic, cheap imitation of vitamin E. Instead, look for a bottle that says it contains d-alpha or D-alpha.

One last word of caution: Vitamin E is a natural anticoagulant. So if you‘re on blood-thinners, make sure to check with your doctor before taking a vitamin E supplement.