Vitamin E and selenium are both essential nutrients that combat inflammation in the body and promote skin health. They are also touted for their antioxidant capabilities, which in turn may help to protect the body from a wide variety of diseases from boosting the immune system to preventing cancer. A similar nutrient that fights inflammation, helps the skin and is a powerful antioxidant is vitamin C. These nutrients are found in similar foods and work together to protect against free radical damage.
Identification
Vitamin E and selenium are both considered strong antioxidants. What this means is that they can counteract oxidative damage and may help to protect against chronic disease, according to the Institute of Medicine's "Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids." Vitamin C is also a noted antioxidant and essential nutrient, as it fights free radicals and is a co-factor in enzymatic reactions ranging from wound healing to the health of capillaries.
Function
Free radicals are created as by-products of the utilization of oxygen by the cells, according to Joy Bauer in the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Total Nutrition." Free radicals also stem from pollution, chemicals and smoking. Oxidation contributes to heart disease, cancer, cataracts, aging and other degenerative diseases. Vitamins E and C, and selenium work against damage by neutralizing free radicals, providing an extra electron to stabilize them or breaking free radicals down to make them harmless.
Forms
Vitamin C can be found in several forms. In food, vitamin C is highest in citrus fruits such as oranges. There are also large amounts of vitamin C in other fruits, including bananas and strawberries, according to Lisa LeVan in the book, "The Psoriasis Cure: A Drug Free Guide to Reversing and Stopping the Symptoms." Vegetables including tomatoes, brussels sprouts, collard greens and red peppers also contain vitamin C. This nutrient, along with vitamin E and selenium, is found in most multivitamins. Vitamin C can also be purchased by itself in either ascorbate, Ester-C or with added bioflavanoids forms.
Benefits
Bauer notes that as antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin C have been shown to help protect the body from certain diseases, though not all that have been claimed. Research indicates that antioxidants do help slow the progression of macular degeneration, as well as boost the immune system. What has not been proven at this point is the ability of antioxidants to protect against cardiovascular disease or cancer, according to author Bauer.
Considerations
Consult your doctor before adding vitamin C, or any other supplement, to your diet. Too much vitamin C can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. If you suffer from anemia or a high amount of oxalic acid in the urine, do not take vitamin C supplements. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants is the safest measure, as nutrients work synergistically to maintain the health of the body.
References
- "Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids"; Institute of Medicine; 2000
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Total Nutrition"; Joy Bauer; 2005
- "The Psoriasis Cure: A Drug Free Guide to Reversing and Stopping the Symptoms"; Lisa LeVan; 1999
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