"As a holistic veterinarian, I feel it is incredibly important to take the whole animal into consideration when it comes to nutrition. And, whenever practical, my preference is to provide nutrients, minerals and vitamins in their natural forms. In this post, I’d like to talk to you specifically about vitamin E, to review both the strengths and weaknesses of natural and synthetic forms.
Vitamin E is an incredibly complex and important nutrient that, among other things, functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that promote health by slowing the destructive aging process of cells (a breakdown called "peroxidation"). In peroxidation, damaged molecules known as free radicals steal pieces from other cells, like fat, protein or DNA. The damage can spread, damaging and killing entire groups of cells. While peroxidation can be useful to destroy old cells or germs and parasites, when left unchecked, free radicals produced by peroxidation also damages healthy cells. Antioxidants can help to stem the tide of peroxidation, thus stabilizing free radicals.
Antioxidants like vitamin E are crucial to the health of companion animals of any age. They can improve the quality of the immune response and the effectiveness of vaccines in young pets, and help maintain a vital immune system in seniors.
Vitamin E occurs in one of two forms, either natural or synthetic. Natural vitamin E is a collection of eight chemically unique compounds that are derived from plants, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. More commonly used and less expensive, synthetic vitamin E is one compound – alpha-tocopherol.
For me, the choice of using natural or synthetic vitamin E in my formulas couldn't be clearer, and neither could the evidence. The synthetic form of vitamin E is not as active or easily absorbed as the natural form of vitamin E. The molecular structure of vitamin E determines how well the body can utilize it. In human trials, researchers found that proteins in the liver specifically select the natural form of vitamin E and largely ignore the synthetic form. In a Japanese study, scientists found that it took three times the amount of synthetic vitamin E to equal the blood levels of natural vitamin E. In the U.S., researchers found that body tissues and blood retained far higher levels of natural vitamin E versus synthetic. In addition, synthetic alpha-tocopherol vitamin E has only half the vitamin activity of the natural alpha-tocopherol vitamin E.
Why is there such a difference between synthetic and natural forms of vitamin E? The key to understanding how the body absorbs these two types differently lies on the molecular level. The cellular structure of mammals more easily recognizes natural forms of vitamins. And cellular proteins and blood plasma bind to natural forms more readily than their synthetic counterparts. Unfortunately, synthetic vitamins are cheaper and, therefore, are more prevalent in many products on the market today.
So, how can you determine if the products you are using contain the synthetic or natural form of vitamin E? Simply check out the ingredient labels! Natural vitamin E is listed as a-tocopherol acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. Alternately, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled with a "dl-" prefix."
Dr. Jane
References:
Kiyose C, et al. Biodiscrimination of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in humans after oral administration. Am J Clin Nutr 1997 (Mar); 65 (3): 785-9
Burton GW, et al. Human plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations in response to supplementation with deuterated natural and synthetic vitamin E Am J Clin Nutr 1998; 67: 669-84
Traber MG, et al. Synthetic as compared with natural vitamin E is preferentially excreted as a-CEHC in human urine: studies using deuterated a-tocopheryl acetate FEBS Letters 1998 (Oct 16); 437: 145-8
Yu W, Jia L, Wang P, et al. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of anticancer actions of natural and synthetic vitamin E forms. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008;52:447-456.
Blatt DH, Pryor WA, Mata JE, et al. Re-evaluation of the relative potency of synthetic and natural α-tocopherol: experimental and clinical observations. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2004;15:380-395.
Weiss WP, Hogan JS, and Wyatt DJ. Relative bioavailability of all-rac and RRR vitamin E based on neutrophil function and total α-tocopherol and isomer concentrations in periparturient dairy cows and their calves. J Dairy Sci. 2009;92:720-731.
Lauridsen C, Engel H, Jensen SK, et al. Lactating sows and suckling piglets preferentially incorporate RRR- over All-rac-α-tocopherol into milk, plasma and tissues. J Nutr. 2002;132:1258-1264.
Sen CK, Khanna S, and Roy S. Tocotrienols in health and disease: The other half of the natural vitamin E family. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 2007;28-692-728.
Hayek MG, et al. Dietary vitamin E improves immune function in cats. In: Reinhart GA, Carey DP eds. Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition, Vol III: 2000 Iams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. Wilmington, OH: Orange Frazer Press, 2000; 555-564.
Cat Urinary Issues PART TWO
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is the most common lower urinary tract disorder diagnosed in cats. Symptoms can include painful urination, urination outside the litter box and blood in the urine.
"In the second of this two-part series, Dr. Sarah discusses how to view your home from your cat’s perspective and how to reduce your kitty’s stress by making their environment more kitty-friendly."
If you feel your cat has FIC, please consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Environmental Modification for cats with FIC (Changing indoor environment to reduce stress)
Litter box - pristine and quiet place.
Nothing should discourage the cat to the use of litter box several times a day.
1 litter box per cat plus one extra
Increase indoor space vertically by climbing frames, shelves, platforms etc
Environment should include places to climb, scratch, hide and rest undisturbed.
Cats also like to view their surroundings from elevated standpoints.
Providing cats with activities that mimic wild; small toys that move, laser light point toys
Inner conflict with multiple cats
Watch the video for more awesome information from Dr. Sarah!
Some cats with FIC are fed a mostly dry food. Try to introduce wet food. Never force any new food or type of food as this may cause even more stress. Best option is to put wet food next to the dry and hopefully your feline will gradually start to eat it.
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My BabyCat goes bonkers for Lifes Abundance dry and wet food!
Be a part of my next conference call.
Our "Ask Dr. Jane" calls are always informative and a lot of fun! To participate in my bi-monthly calls, phone our new conference call number 561-515-1695 at the appropriate time, and enter 224012# after the prompt. My next call is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16th 2010 at 8:30 PM EST.
Thank you,
Dr. Jane Bicks, DVM
HealthyPetNet Product Formulator
