Can Vitamin E promote longevity?

In the quest for a longer, healthier life, vitamins and supplements have often been hailed as secret weapons.

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Among them, Vitamin E has drawn particular attention for its antioxidant properties and potential role in promoting longevity. But how strong is the scientific basis for these claims?

Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant activities. The most biologically active form in humans is alpha-tocopherol. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress—a process linked to aging and the development of various chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA—contributing to aging and disease. By neutralising these harmful compounds, antioxidants like Vitamin E are thought to slow down cellular aging and thus potentially extend lifespan.