Vitamin E

Vitamin E is perhaps the most universally prescribed and used substance for early treatment of Dupuytrens contracture. It has earned the place of being perhaps the most important of all scar reduction therapies. Reported to reduce plaque and fibrous tissue infiltration in damaged arterial walls. Studies suggest it can reduce scar and fibrous tissue buildup in other parts of the body. There is about 75-90% worldwide agreement for the application of as a first-line treatment of Dupuytrens contracture and Peyronies disease.

It is often used internally and externally in treating Dupuytrens contracture, so that its benefit can be maximized.

Recent Scare Stories about Vitamin E
The recent false conclusions in the news about vitamin E just goes to show how little science knows about the subject. It also shows the problem with using cheap synthetic vitamin products for your health.

Here two reasons these conclusions are incorrect:
     1. The research that was done used only the synthetic form of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol acetate, not the naturally occurring form that is recommended by DCI. Many times medical research uses the synthetic form of a vitamin as though there is no difference between the natural and synthetic form.
     2. The research that was done used only the alpha form of vitamin E, and ignored the other seven members of the complete vitamin E family. The Journal of the American Medical Association recently pointed out that the use of the alpha form of vitamin E -- alpha-tocopherol -- as a dietary supplement causes depletion of the gamma, beta and delta forms in the body, resulting in health risks.

To put a few things about vitamin E in perspective, it is good to recall that just 20 years ago the omega 3 fatty acids were widely ridiculed and their safety questioned. Today they are recommended by the FDA, the American Heart Association and others. A few years ago vitamin C was also thought to cause cancer. And not that long ago, the AMA laughed at the idea that there was a connection between a high fat diet and heart disease. It all goes to show that there is still a lot that science does not know about nutrition.

There is so much to say about vitamin E, and much to learn. The reader is encouraged to visit the PDI website discussion of Vitamin E. There you will find in-depth technical discussion concerning the six forms of vitamin E, and the interesting research about effectiveness of all types.

Dupuytrens contracture and Peyronie’s disease connection
There are many statistical and clinical similarities between Dupuytrens contracture and Peyronie’s disease. So much so, that there is even a connection between treatment that has benefited one condition being also potentially beneficial for the other. Because of this, it is common to learn from men who are being treated with a PDI therapy program for their Peyronie’s disease that their concurrent Dupuytrens contracture is also improving.

Therefore, when one study shows that Peyronies disease is benefited by vitamin E, it can be of interest to someone with Dupuytrens contracture.

Vitamin E Product Recommendation
We strongly recommend the interested person use only vitamin E products from Yasoo Health Inc. Here is why we recommend each of these individual Yasoo supplements to improve systemic and local tissue health in Dupuytrens contracture:

Dupuytrens contracture is probably treated universally by vitamin E more often
than any other Alternative Medicine therapy; learn why Yasoo Integral E 400/400
is the best source of vitamin E for your Dupuytrens contracture plan

Integral E 400/400 supplies all eight members of the vitamin E family – tocopherols plus tocotrienols – in their natural unesterified form as found in our food. It is particularly rich in gamma tocopherol and tocotrienols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support vascular function and skin health. Each softgel supplies:

• 400 IU vitamin E activity from natural d-alpha-tocopherol, plus
• 400 milligrams of the other natural tocopherols plus tocotrienols.

Dupuytrens contracture needs the complete line of
all eight mixed tocopherols as found in Gamma E 500

Gamma E 500 provides 100% natural mixed tocopherols, not the less effective esterified or methylated forms. Gamma-Tocopherol is the effective form that fights nitrogen free radicals. Recent research suggests that gamma-tocopherol reduces inflammation. A metabolite of gamma-tocopherol (2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(beta-carboxyethyl)-6-hydroxychroman, known as gamma-CEHC) is also effective in reducing inflammation.(1-2) Gamma-tocopherol is more effective than alpha-tocopherol in increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma and arterial tissues.(3) Gamma-tocopherol increases nitrogen oxide generation which helps support healthy arterial function. Each softgel contains:

• 800 milligrams of tocopherol concentrate high in gamma-tocopherol (500 mg)

Dupuytrens contracture benefits when all of the components of the vitamin E family are taken,
along with the essential fatty acids found in Omega Q 1000

Omega Q™ combines the benefits of all natural omega-3 fatty acids, natural tocopherols plus tocotrienols and CoQ10 in their most bioavailable form. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in clinical trials(4-5) to reduce heart disease, reduce triglyceride levels and reduce inflammation. Each serving of two softgels provides you with:

• 840 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids as natural triglycerides, including 420 milligrams of EPA and 280 milligrams of DHA from premium cold water marine oils
• 200 milligrams natural tocopherols
• 28 milligrams natural tocotrienols
• 20 milligrams Coenzyme Q10

Callisto Vitamin E Oil is the most important ingredient of any good Dupuytrens. Read this information carefully:

Dupuytrens contracture and Callisto Vitamin E Oil are a natural combination
when teamed up with DMSO and ionic copper;
probably the best selling therapy combination in the DCI lineup.

Callisto™ Therapeutic High-Potency Vitamin E Oil. Rich in the full family of tocopherols and tocotrienols in their natural unesterified form. This powerful combination of antioxidants, in a natural grape seed and almond oil carrier, provides excellent protection against free radical damage and inflammation. Applied directly to the skin, it allows for the penetration of active components of the vitamin E family into deeper layers of the tissue to maximize benefit, thus helping wound healing and reducing scar tissue.(6-9)

Dupuytrens contracture therapy can benefit from the only water-base vitamin E preparation;
made only by Yasoo Health for those who do not have a good fat metabolism and
do not process vitamin E well in its normal oil-base form

Recommended Use of Vitamin E
Anyone taking blood thinning medication should consult with their prescribing doctor before starting a high dose vitamin E and omega fatty acid therapy. Because vitamin E and omega-3 act as very mild anticoagulants they may have an additive effect and cause further thinning of the blood beyond the desired level. In general, DCI strongly advises anyone taking any other medication for any reason, to first check with their treating physician before undergoing any suggested supplements or therapy offered for study and consideration.

     1. One softgel per day of Integral E 400/400, taken at the first meal of the day. The advantage of this form is that it supplies 400 IU vitamin E activity from natural d-alpha-tocopherol plus 400 milligrams of the other natural tocopherols plus tocotrienols that have additional benefits. NOTE: Two vitamin E 400/400 may be taken initially for a few weeks, at the beginning of treatment, then reduced to one daily.
     2. One softgel per day of Gamma E 500 taken at the last meal of the day. The extra gamma tocopherol can help with inflammation and arterial function. Each softgel contains: 800 milligrams of tocopherol concentrate high in gamma-tocopherol.
     3. Two softgels of Omega Q™ taken with any meal during the day. Combines the benefits of all natural omega-3 fatty acids, natural tocopherols plus tocotrienols and CoQ10 in their most bioavailable form. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in clinical trials(33-34) to reduce heart disease, reduce triglyceride levels and reduce inflammation.
     4. Twice daily use the Callisto oil, which is very rich in gamma tocopherols and tocotrienols directly over the palmar contracture (along with PMD Topical DMSO Solution to increase penetration) to help reduce inflammation, promote healing and reduce scarring. This is really recommended because it is another avenue of entry of vitamin E into the tissue. By taking vitamin E through an external source – in addition to the much needed internal source – you are assuring maximum saturation of vitamin E into the area. Apply a small amount of Callisto oil to the hand where the contracture, nodules and cords are located and rub in until slight resistance is felt, indicating that most of the vitamin E oil has been worked into tissue. It may happen in some individuals that if you apply any oil too often, a rash may develop on the site of application; if so, just reduce number of applications so that skin is able to handle increased oil.

Once your tissue repair mechanism has been supported so that your Dupuytrens contracture is under control, and your contracted tissue has been absorbed by the body, IT IS MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you stay on a dose of one softgel each of Integral E 400/400, Gamma E 500, Omega-Q, and vitamin C for the rest of your life. Besides the countless health benefits of these products for general health, they are an important first line of defense to prevent recurrence (oh yes, the dense hard tissue can come back!) of future episodes of Dupuytrens contracture.

For ideas and suggestions putting this information about vitamin E into a treatment plan, click Create a Dupuytrens Treatment Plan.

OrderVitamin E

Want to learn more technical information on this subject?

The sister organization for the Dupuytrens Contracture Institute (DCI) is the Peyronie’s Disease Institute (PDI). There are many statistical and pathophysiological similarities between these two conditions, that the same group of doctors who created PDI have also developed DCI. Many men who have Peyronie’s disease note that their Dupuytrens contracture also improves. Therefore, there appears to be a natural confluence of interest between these two problems. What can be said for one problem can be said of the other, especially in terms of treatment.

For ideas and suggestions putting this information about vitamin E into a treatment plan, click Create a Dupuytrens Treatment Plan.

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On the website of the larger PDI website you will find a more detailed discussion and instruction of this topic. Just click here to learn more about Vitamin E on the PDI website.

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1. Jiang Q, Elson-Schwab I, Courtemanche C, Ames BN. Gamma-tocopherol and its major metabolite, in contrast to alpha-tocopherol, inhibit cyclooxygenase activity in macrophages and epithelial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Oct 10;97(21):11494-9
2. Jiang Q, Ames BN. Gamma-tocopherol, but not alpha-tocopherol, decreases pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and inflammation damage in rats. FASEB J. 2003 May;17(8):816-22)
3. Li, D., Saldeen, T., Romeo, F., Mehta, J. L. Relative Effects of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol on low-density lipoprotein oxidation and superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide synthase activity and protein expression in rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 1999:219-226).
4. Covington MB. Omega-3 fatty acids. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):133-40. Review.
5. Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3 Suppl):560S-569S. Review.
6. Palmieri B, Gozzi G, Palmieri G. Vitamin E added silicone gel sheets for treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Int J Dermatol. 1995 Jul;34(7):506-9;
7. Wu S et al. Oxidized cellulose and vitamin E blend for topical hemostatic applications. United States Patent 5,696,101
8. Ikeda S, Niwa T, Yamashita K. Selective uptake of dietary tocotrienols into rat skin. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2000 Jun;46(3):141-3
9. Papas AM. Personal communication on unpublished data).