A study published in Lancet Neurology, a monthly UK medical journal, suggests that Vitamin E gained from dietary sources may help Parkinson’s disease.

The study was conducted by Dr. Mayhar Etminan and colleges from Queen’s University in Canada. This team of researchers measured data from eight studies previously published between the years 1966 and 2005, in hope of determining whether vitamins E, C and the nutrient beta carotene, have any effects on Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. It can be characterized by tremor, rigidity and a slowing, or complete loss, of physical movement. It may also cause cognitive dysfunction and language issues.

Parkinson’s disease is oftentimes hard to diagnose and although it has no cure, medications and surgery can provide some relief from symptoms.

The study concluded that although vitamin C and the nutrient beta carotene didn’t seem to have any effect on the disease, it appeared that moderate and high amounts of vitamin E consumed through one’s diet did have a positive effect and seemed to help protect against the development of the disease. Although to be sure, a controlled study with subjects, instead of simply data, will need to be held to determine if these results can be confirmed.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that protects against cell damage caused by free radicals. The recommended daily intake of vitamin E from food is 15 milligrams. Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans, yet there have been studies suggesting that too much vitamin E, usually gaining through supplementation, can be dangerous.

Green leafy vegetables, nuts and vegetable oils are the main dietary sources of vitamin E, such as spinach, almonds, kale, broccoli, turnip greens, peanuts, avacado, olive oil, wheat germ and safflower oil.

Although the study was an interesting find, it is still too early to tell whether vitamin E health supplements would have the same affect as natural, dietary vitamin E.

Experts are warning against people buying vitamin E supplements to help ward off the disease, especially since too much vitamin E can be toxic (fat soluble vitamins are more likely to achieve toxicity than water soluble vitamins).

More studies will be held to determine if vitamin E can actually help Parkinson’s disease.