Vitamin E

Hi all,

The other day I purchased a Vitamin E supplement,
Cataplex E2 by Standard Process. Standard Process
makes two Vitamin E supplements, and from the descriptions,
the E2 product seemed to be a perfect fit for the adverse
reactions I was having from all the omega-3 fatty acids
I was experimenting with:

http://www.becomehealthynow.com/supps/cataplex_e.shtml
http://www.becomehealthynow.com/supps/cataplex_e2.shtml

Specifically, I was having problems with a feeling of
suffocation, muscle cramps, chest pains, and anxiety attacks.
Doing some searching, I found that Cataplex E2 was recommended
as a solution for *all* of these symptoms!

Although the dosage for Catalpex E2 is listed as 6 tabs/day,
I was cautious on the first day and took 1/2 tab. My
breathing became easier very quickly, but I also
got so hyperactive that I tossed an turned all night,
and got very little sleep. Also I got the worst case
of ringing ears that I can ever remember, plus some gas.
I'm now on day 3, and taking only 1/4 tab twice a day,
which doesn't provoke any bad symptoms, but also doesn't
help as much with the oxygen.

But my severe initial reaction to this supplement might
be indicative of a Vitamin E deficiency that could be
the root cause of several things -- inability to make
use of fatty acids because they oxidize in my digestive
tract and bloodstream before they ever reach my cells
(Vitamin E prevents this). And possibly also this may
be at the root of my "burning face" symptoms, as my
body may simply be running out of Vitamin E, and
the fatty tissues around my nerves start oxidizing. The
burning face symptoms usually also happen with reddening
in my skin, and I've red elsewhere that sunburn is
indicative due to a lack of essential fatty acids.

Note that although in the past I've tried megadose
Vitamin E supplements, I've since learned that these
isolated extractions of alpha-tocopheral don't
work nearly as well as Vitamin E derived straight
from food, with all the co-factors and synergists
intact. (more about that is on the above links)

Also this Cataplex E2 has some selenium in it, which
of course has been shown to be useful for mercury
poisoning.

So I'm going to see what the longterm effect of
this Vitamin E supplement is, and then see if
the essential fatty acids still have an adverse
effect when my body has an adequate supply of E.

So, more fun and games ahead... :-)

Marc