Carlson Laboratories reacts to recent study on vitamin E

January 14, 2014 — On Jan. 1, 2014, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study titled, “Vitamin E, Memantine, and Alzheimer Disease [sic].” The study results suggest the use of synthetic vitamin E — a daily dose of 2,000 IU — by patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease slows functional decline and reduces caregiver time in assisting.

A total of 613 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease were chosen to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of synthetic vitamin E, as dl-alpha tocopherol, and/or the effects of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor called, memantine.

While some subjects received only vitamin E or memantine, others received both the vitamin and the drug, or a placebo. Only the group solely taking vitamin E saw significant positive results. Alzheimer’s progression was delayed an average of 19 percent per year in the vitamin E group, while caregiver time was reduced by about two hours a day.

“Carlson Laboratories was happy to hear that vitamin E, the powerful antioxidant that initiated the start of our company, has been linked to a decline in the functional progression of Alzheimer’s patients,” said Carilyn Anderson, president of Carlson Laboratories. “Alzheimer’s has been associated with oxidative stress, so it’s no wonder vitamin E is helpful in slowing this terrible disease. Carlson Laboratories began with one simple vitamin E formula in 1965.

“Since then, the line has grown to become the most complete line of natural-source vitamin E products in the world. Just two of our E-Gems Elite 1,000 IU soft gels provide 2,000 IU of natural vitamin E as alpha tocopherol. Further research of vitamin E and Alzheimer’s disease is needed, including a comparison of natural source vitamin E. Proven to be twice as active in our bodies as synthetic vitamin E, natural vitamin E may be even more beneficial for the brain.”

Source: Carlson Laboratories