Vitamin E

Parkinson Disease is a disorder of the nervous system that is caused by the degeneration of dopamine neurons. The disease affects approximately 100 000 Canadians and a million Americans leaving them with movement dysfunction and memory impairment. The cause behind the illness is poorly understood but, as with most degenerative disorders, oxidative stress may be a significant factor in the disease process.

In a study published in Neuroscience Letters, Japanese researchers looked at the possible role of antioxidants in Parkinson Disease. More specifically, the researchers examined the effect of alpha versus gamma tocopherol in a rodent model of Parkinson’s disease. The results were clear: “gamma tocopherol exerted stronger protective effects than alpha tocopherol”

Several studies have now shown the importance of gamma tocopherol in vitamin E supplements. Gamma tocopherol decreases inflammation, prevents the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and is present in reduced levels in coronary heart disease patients.