LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 4, 2011 (KTHV) - A form of Vitamin E may help protect against high levels of radiation exposure. Studies show that a potent form of Vitamin E called gamma tocotrienols may counteract the harmful effects of radiation.

"It is something we have been working on for about five years now," says Dr. Martin Hauer-Jensen, director of radiation health at UAMS.

Research scientists have worked for decades to develop safe, non-toxic countermeasures in the case of nuclear power plant accidents and terrorism attacks, as well as strategies to prevent the adverse effects of radiation therapy that sometimes occur in cancer patients.

"The two organs that determine if somebody lives or dies after exposure to radiation are the bone marrow and the intestine and we have found that gamma tocotrienols protects both organ systems," says Hauer-Jensen.

Hauer-Jensen says the finding could create business opportunities for Arkansas.

"Where gamma tocotrienols is found mostly in palm oil, which we don't have palm trees here, but it is also found in rice bran oil and we are the capital of the U.S. in rice production and rice bran is currently not used for processing."

While further studies must still be done to assess the radio-protective benefits of gamma tocotrienol for people, there are many other immediate health benefits that may make this "super vitamin" a valuable addition to your daily regimen. Tocotrienols are powerful antioxidants, and are believed to support your heart health, brain health and your immune system.

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/151929/126/On-Assignment-Super-vitamin-protects-against-radiation-exposure