Vitamin E may help memory - Study

A joint research by Finnish and Swedish scientists has shown the entire vitamin E family plays a role in prevention of age related memory disorders, Xinhua news agency reported.

The latest research by the University of Eastern Finland, Karolinska Institutet of Sweden and other medical research institutes showed that various forms of vitamin E play a role in memory processes.

The new finding came as previous studies investigating the link between vitamin E and memory disorders usually focused only on a single form of vitamin E -- alpha-tocopherol.

Dr. Miia Kivipelto, research director from the University of Eastern Finland, said vitamin E exists in eight different natural forms (fat-soluble compounds) and the entire vitamin E family, not only alpha-tocopherol, plays a role in protecting against memory disorders.

Kivipelto said vitamin E supplements available on the market usually contain only alpha-tocopherol, and the best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, green vegetables and whole grain cereals.

"A balanced diet is the best way to obtain all the eight vitamin E from food.

A more varied diet and a healthier lifestyle can prevent memory disorders among the elderly," said Kivipelto.

The research was published in the latest issue of Experimental Gerontology.