Vitamin E: Who Needs It and How Does It Work?

When it comes to vitamins, most of us recall childhood and those first tasty, orange tablets. It seems like nothing extraordinary; such a thing can be taken in adulthood as well. It won’t hurt, and there might even be some benefits. But when the topic shifts to vitamin E, men’s interest particularly begins to surge.

Of course, there are no magic pills that instantly boost the body and set you on the right path. However, there are basic tools that the body uses to fine-tune the functioning of internal systems. Muscles, brain, hormones… The performance of all these can be improved by supplying the body with the right fuel.

What Makes Vitamin E Interesting?

It’s an underrated tool for boosting testosterone, similar to how zinc and magnesium were before they were combined into the ZMA formula, which benefits productivity in both sports and office tasks. Vitamin E aids in the enhancement of male hormone synthesis.

The Principle of Nutrient Delivery

When it comes to hormones, the first thought is: “they’re going to change something in my body, and everything will be very bad, up to addiction and hormonal disruptions.” This concern is absolutely valid when it comes to hormone injections.

But there’s a huge difference when discussing hormonal drugs and supplements for gland function. Essentially, supplements, including vitamin E, are fuel that the body uses itself to fine-tune gland operations. Based on these, the hormones of the male body are synthesized.

Otherwise, if there is fuel in the body and a stimulus to use it, then gland function will improve. However, without a stimulus for action and without fuel, the body will make do with what’s available, meaning productivity will be lower.

Nuances with Testosterone

Directly injecting testosterone for long-term prospects is pointless because an excess of any hormone in the body leads to:

1. The body’s glands ceasing to produce their own hormones.
2. A gradual decrease in receptor sensitivity due to the large volume of new hormones in the blood.
3. The excess of new hormones being metabolized, as testosterone can be converted into the female hormone estrogen.

Therefore, an athlete-bodybuilder-biohacker makes a choice. One can administer hormones in cycles, followed by post-cycle therapy (PCT) and a return to normal. During this process, check-ups with an endocrinologist are conducted.

Alternatively, under the supervision of the same endocrinologist, hormone replacement therapy is developed, where small doses of hormones are administered to maintain the level of, say, a 25-35-year-old self. But there are other elements that can be taken to enhance performance.

Should You Take Vitamin E for Testosterone Growth?

Vitamin E, test boosters, the ZMA formula – all these are fuels to make it easier for the body to synthesize hormones itself. There are downsides and advantages. The downside is that you won’t get the same effect as from injections. The upside is that you will always be at the peak of your natural form, especially when combining the intake of these vitamins with training.

Clinical Studies

Regarding testosterone boosters, specifically vitamin E, PubMed offers a plethora of studies on the topic. 300 mg of vitamin E per day has been proven to reduce prolactin levels in the bodies of men suffering from uremia and undergoing hemodialysis. There is also an unknown but practically significant biomechanism where vitamin E intake reduced the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

However, the mechanism through which vitamin E affects the body is not well researched. There are theories that its intake correlates with blood circulation in the sexual glands, but nothing more.

Again, vitamin E is a modulator. That is, a substance that is generally used in a number of body processes. It’s not like caffeine, which binds to dopamine and adenosine receptors and produces an immediate effect. Supplements for the brain and muscles may work on entirely different principles.

What Food is Highest in Vitamin E?

The Recommended Daily Value (RDV) for vitamin E for adults is about 15 milligrams (mg) of alpha-tocopherol per day. Here are the top-10 foods highest in vitamin E, along with their vitamin E content per standard serving size:

1. Wheat Germ Oil – 1 tablespoon provides about 20.3 mg of vitamin E, which is 135% of the RDV. It’s one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin E available.
2. Sunflower Seeds – A 1/4 cup serving of sunflower seeds contains approximately 7.4 mg of vitamin E, or about 49% of the RDV. They’re also a great snack option.
3. Almonds – 1 ounce (about 23 nuts) offers 7.3 mg of vitamin E, which is roughly 49% of the RDV. Almonds can be enjoyed raw, toasted, or as almond butter.
4. Hazelnuts – A 1-ounce serving provides about 4.3 mg of vitamin E, or 29% of the RDV. Hazelnuts are delicious in baked goods or as a snack.
5. Pine Nuts – 1 ounce of pine nuts contains around 2.6 mg of vitamin E, which is 17% of the RDV. They’re great in pesto or sprinkled over salads.
6. Avocado – One whole avocado provides approximately 2.7 mg of vitamin E, or 18% of the RDV. Avocados are versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and guacamole.
7. Spinach – 1/2 cup of cooked spinach contains about 1.9 mg of vitamin E, or 13% of the RDV. Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked and is rich in many other vitamins and minerals.
8. Butternut Squash – 1 cup of cooked butternut squash offers about 2.6 mg of vitamin E, which is 17% of the RDV. It’s a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal.
9. Broccoli – 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli provides around 1.2 mg of vitamin E, or 8% of the RDV. Broccoli can be steamed, roasted, or added to stir-fries.
10. Trout – A 3-ounce serving of cooked trout contains about 2.0 mg of vitamin E, or 13% of the RDV. Trout is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Optimal Combinations

Vitamin E affects various systems. However, its effect can be complemented and even enhanced. Specifically, there are studies confirming the effectiveness of combinations with vitamin E.

L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10, when combined with vitamin E, increase levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone. Such a combination also improves the quality of male sperm. The versatility of this combination also benefits female reproductive glands, as confirmed by research.

Moreover, incorporating vitamin E into the stack of a biohacker, athlete, productive worker, or simply a productive individual is always possible. And it would be a solid decision.

Does Vitamin E Live Up to Its Reputation?

Vitamin E won’t turn you into Schwarzenegger or skyrocket your libido into the stratosphere. Instead, it allows the body’s sexual glands to operate as productively and efficiently as possible, focusing on long-term and gradual enhancement of the body’s capabilities.