Vitamin d and e
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The Role of Vitamin D and E in Health: A Comprehensive Overview
Vitamin D and E in Muscle Health and Sarcopenia
Preservation of Muscle Mass and Strength
A study on sarcopenic older adults demonstrated that a nutritional supplement containing whey protein, vitamin D, and vitamin E significantly improved muscle mass, strength, and quality of life. The supplementation led to notable increases in the relative skeletal mass index (RSMI), handgrip strength, and mental and physical health scores 1. This suggests that combined supplementation of these nutrients can be beneficial in combating age-related muscle decline.
Safety and Efficacy of Vitamin E Supplementation
Health Parameters in Older Adults
Research assessing the safety of vitamin E supplementation in healthy older adults found no adverse effects on a wide range of health parameters, including liver enzyme function, thyroid hormone levels, and immune function. The study concluded that vitamin E supplementation, even at high doses, is safe for older adults 2.
Vitamin D and E in Animal Health and Meat Quality
Antioxidative Capacity and Meat Quality in Pigs
Supplementation of vitamin D3 and vitamin E in pig diets was shown to improve antioxidative capacity and meat quality. Vitamin E increased the concentration of α-tocopherol in the meat, while vitamin D3 enhanced plasma calcium levels and meat color stability 3. This indicates that these vitamins can enhance both the nutritional and commercial value of meat products.
Carcass Weight in Cattle
In feedlot beef cattle, the combination of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and increased vitamin E intake resulted in a significant increase in carcass weight. This suggests that these supplements can improve meat production efficiency in the cattle industry 4.
Vitamin D and E in Women's Health
Management of Dysmenorrhea
A clinical trial comparing the effects of vitamin D and E on dysmenorrhea found that both vitamins, alone and in combination, significantly reduced the intensity and duration of menstrual pain. The combination of vitamins D and E was particularly effective, suggesting a synergistic effect in managing dysmenorrhea 5.
Vitamin D in Immune Function and Disease Prevention
Autoimmune Diseases
Vitamin D has been shown to play a crucial role in modulating the immune system and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. Studies have found an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and the incidence of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes 910. This highlights the potential of vitamin D as a preventive measure against autoimmune conditions.
Endothelial Function
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that vitamin D supplementation did not significantly improve endothelial function in the general population. However, it did show benefits in diabetic individuals, suggesting that vitamin D may have specific vascular benefits in certain health conditions 8.
Conclusion
The combined supplementation of vitamins D and E offers numerous health benefits, from improving muscle mass and strength in older adults to enhancing meat quality in livestock. Vitamin E is safe for long-term use in older adults, while vitamin D plays a significant role in immune function and disease prevention. These findings underscore the importance of these vitamins in both human and animal health, warranting further research to optimize their use in various health contexts.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A high whey protein, vitamin D and E supplement preserves muscle mass, strength, and quality of life in sarcopenic older adults: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Whey protein, vitamin D, and E supplementation significantly improves muscle mass, strength, and quality of life in older adults with sarcopenia.
RCT
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedAssessment of the safety of supplementation with different amounts of vitamin E in healthy older adults.
Four months of supplementation with 60-800 IU vitamin E/d had no adverse effects in healthy elderly individuals.
RCTHighly CitedEffects of dietary supplementation of vitamins D(3) and E on quality characteristics of pigs and longissimus muscle antioxidative capacity.
Dietary supplementation of vitamins D(3) and E in pig diets improves meat quality and antioxidative capacity without affecting other meat quality characteristics or tenderness.
RCTPSXIV-11 Supplementation of 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 and increased vitamin E as a strategy to increase carcass weight of feedlot beef cattle
Feeding feedlot cattle with HyD and increased vitamin E increases carcass weight and average daily gain, but not body weight or dressing percentage.
RCT
Rigorous JournalA comparison of the effect of Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplementations, alone, and in combination, on reducing the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women: A randomized controlled trial
Vitamin E and Vitamin D supplements, alone or combined, effectively reduce the intensity and duration of dysmenorrhea in women.
RCTUse of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin E to improve tenderness of beef from the longissimus dorsi of heifers.
A single bolus of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or daily vitamin E alone, but not combined, can improve the tenderness of beef from heifers' longissimus dorsi.
RCTIncreased dietary vitamin D3 and calcium partially alleviate heat stress symptoms and inflammation in lactating Holstein cows independent of dietary concentrations of vitamin E and selenium.
Increased dietary vitamin D3 and calcium partially alleviate heat stress symptoms and inflammation in lactating Holstein cows, regardless of dietary concentrations of vitamin E and selenium.
RCTEffects of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Vitamin D supplementation did not significantly improve endothelial function, but showed a significant effect in diabetics and a tendency for association with BMI.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalEmerging role of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases: An update on evidence and therapeutic implications.
Vitamin D has an inverse association with the development of several autoimmune diseases, suggesting it may play a role in immune system regulation and disease prevention.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedImmunologic Effects of Vitamin D on Human Health and Disease
Optimal vitamin D intake and sensible sunlight exposure can maintain optimal immune system function and reduce the risk of immune-related diseases.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited