Dr John Lodge and his team discovered that the absorption of vitamin E into the blood stream was minimal when taken with only a glass of water or with cereal and semi-skimmed milk. The absorption rates were significantly higher when taken with cereal and full-fat milk or cream, and higher still when taken with a meal of toast and butter.

Dr Lodge comments, This research is significant as it shows that people following a healthy, low-fat diet may not immediately be getting the same coronary protection as they might expect from their vitamin E supplements. However, this does not mean that I recommend people take up a higher fat diet, as further research needs to be done, and the levels of vitamin E and its protection can be achieved with a low-fat diet over a longer time frame, if you take the supplement on an ongoing basis. ™

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"Our re-analysis of the data affirms that individuals need to consume a balanced and varied diet that meets their nutritional needs and allows them to maintain a healthy weight. What our paper really shows is that the more calories (energy) that people consume, the more likely they are to get the essential vitamins and minerals they need. That means it is even more important to increase physical activity so that those calories are burned off to prevent weight gain," she said.

The Center for Food and Nutrition Policy (CFNP) is an independent research and education center affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and is located in Alexandria, Virginia. The mission of CFNP is to advance rational, science-based food and nutrition policy. Through its research, outreach and teaching programs, CFNP examines complex and often contentious issues facing government policymakers, regulators, agribusinesses, and food manufacturers. CFNP is recognized as a center of excellence in food and nutrition policy by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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