Boost Vitamin E Intake

Medical experts say many of us simply are not getting enough vitamin E in our diets or through supplements and that increases our risk of getting heart disease and cancer.

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention write in the American Journal of Epidemiology that up to 27 percent of adults may be vitamin E deficient. While there was little difference between men and women, 41 percent of African Americans were found to be low on vitamin E.

Drs. Earl Ford and Anne Sowell say the findings are "most significant" because African Americans also have a higher death rate from cardiovascular disease and cancer. The scientists say further study may show the impact the vitamin has on preventing chronic diseases. The study is based on data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994.

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for Third Agers is 10 milligrams each day. Good sources include dark green, leafy vegetables, whole grain cereal, liver, egg yolks, nuts, seeds and butter.

Check our ThirdAge Healthy Heart Index.