What are the potential side effects of vitamin E. How effective is vitamin E for various health conditions. What are the recommended dosages of vitamin E for different uses. What precautions should be taken when using vitamin E supplements.

Understanding Vitamin E: An Essential Nutrient

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Found naturally in various foods, this powerful antioxidant supports numerous bodily functions. But what exactly is vitamin E, and how does it benefit our health?

Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active in humans. It’s important to note that naturally occurring vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) differs from the synthetic form found in supplements (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol).

Natural Sources of Vitamin E

• Vegetable oils (sunflower, wheat germ, safflower)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts)
• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli)
• Fortified cereals and juices
• Fruits (avocado, mango)
• Meat, poultry, and eggs

Do you know the recommended daily intake of vitamin E? For adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 15 mg (22.4 IU) per day. However, specific needs may vary based on age, gender, and health conditions.

Proven Health Benefits of Vitamin E

Research has shown that vitamin E offers several health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of various chronic diseases.

Effective Uses of Vitamin E

1. Treating vitamin E deficiency
2. Managing ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED)
3. Supporting immune function
4. Protecting skin health
5. Promoting eye health

Is vitamin E effective for treating vitamin E deficiency? Yes, taking vitamin E supplements orally is an effective treatment for vitamin E deficiency, which, although rare, can occur in individuals with certain genetic disorders or in very low-weight premature infants.

Potential Benefits of Vitamin E Supplementation

While vitamin E is essential for overall health, research suggests it may offer additional benefits for specific health conditions. However, it’s important to note that more studies are needed to confirm these potential effects.

Conditions with Possible Benefits

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Beta-thalassemia
• Menstrual cramps
• G6PD deficiency
• Intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Tardive dyskinesia

Can vitamin E supplementation help with Alzheimer’s disease? While taking vitamin E supplements doesn’t seem to prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing, some studies suggest that in people who already have Alzheimer’s, taking vitamin E along with certain anti-Alzheimer medications might slow down memory loss. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Side Effects and Precautions of Vitamin E Supplementation

While vitamin E is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions, especially when using supplements.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Blurred vision

Are there any serious side effects associated with high doses of vitamin E? Yes, taking high doses of vitamin E supplements (400 IU or more per day) may increase the risk of certain health issues, including:

• Increased risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood-thinning medications
• Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
• Potential interference with cancer treatments
• Increased risk of prostate cancer in men

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any vitamin E supplementation, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Interactions and Contraindications of Vitamin E

Vitamin E can interact with various medications and health conditions. Understanding these interactions is essential for safe supplementation.

Medications That May Interact with Vitamin E

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)
• Niacin
• Certain antioxidant supplements

Should people with certain health conditions avoid vitamin E supplements? Yes, individuals with the following conditions should exercise caution or avoid vitamin E supplements unless directed by a healthcare provider:

• Vitamin K deficiency
• Bleeding disorders
• History of hemorrhagic stroke
• Planned surgery
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

Dosage Recommendations for Vitamin E

The appropriate dosage of vitamin E can vary depending on the intended use and individual health factors. It’s crucial to follow recommended guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

General Dosage Guidelines

• For adults: 15 mg (22.4 IU) per day
• For pregnant women: 15 mg (22.4 IU) per day
• For breastfeeding women: 19 mg (28.4 IU) per day

Is there an upper limit for vitamin E intake? Yes, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E from supplements is 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day for adults. Consuming more than this amount may increase the risk of side effects and health complications.

Therapeutic Dosages for Specific Conditions

For certain health conditions, higher doses of vitamin E may be recommended under medical supervision. Some examples include:

• Alzheimer’s disease: 1,000-2,000 IU per day
• Tardive dyskinesia: 1,600 IU per day
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): 800 IU per day

It’s important to note that these dosages are for specific therapeutic uses and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Vitamin E in Skincare and Cosmetics

Beyond its internal health benefits, vitamin E is widely used in skincare products and cosmetics due to its antioxidant properties and potential skin benefits.

Potential Skin Benefits of Vitamin E

• Moisturizing and hydrating effects
• Protection against UV damage
• Reduction of signs of aging
• Scar healing and minimization
• Treatment of sunburns

How effective is topical vitamin E for skin health? While vitamin E is a popular ingredient in many skincare products, research on its topical effectiveness is mixed. Some studies suggest it may help protect against sun damage and improve skin hydration, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits for various skin conditions.

Forms of Vitamin E in Skincare Products

• Creams and lotions
• Serums
• Oils
• Sunscreens
• Lip balms

When using vitamin E topically, it’s important to patch test new products and be aware of potential allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

Vitamin E and Heart Health

The relationship between vitamin E and heart health has been a subject of extensive research, with mixed results. While some studies have suggested potential benefits, others have found no significant impact on cardiovascular health.

Potential Cardiovascular Benefits

• Antioxidant protection for blood vessels
• Reduction of LDL cholesterol oxidation
• Improvement of endothelial function
• Potential reduction of inflammation

Does vitamin E supplementation prevent heart disease? Despite initial hopes, large-scale studies have not shown that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduces the risk of heart disease or major cardiovascular events in the general population. In fact, high-dose supplementation may increase the risk of heart failure in some individuals.

Considerations for Heart Health

While vitamin E from food sources is generally considered safe and beneficial, supplementation for heart health should be approached with caution. It’s essential to focus on a balanced diet rich in natural sources of vitamin E and other antioxidants, rather than relying on supplements alone.

Individuals with existing heart conditions or risk factors should consult their healthcare provider before starting any vitamin E supplementation regimen.

Vitamin E and Cancer: A Complex Relationship

The role of vitamin E in cancer prevention and treatment has been a topic of intense research and debate. While its antioxidant properties suggest potential protective effects, the relationship between vitamin E and cancer is complex and not fully understood.

Potential Cancer-Related Effects of Vitamin E

• Protection against oxidative damage to DNA
• Modulation of cell signaling pathways
• Potential enhancement of immune function
• Possible interference with certain cancer treatments

Can vitamin E supplements prevent cancer? Despite early hopes, large-scale studies have not shown that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduces the overall risk of cancer. In fact, some studies have suggested that high-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer in men.

Vitamin E and Specific Cancers

Research on vitamin E’s effects on specific types of cancer has yielded mixed results:

• Prostate Cancer: The SELECT trial found an increased risk of prostate cancer in men taking high-dose vitamin E supplements.
• Colorectal Cancer: Studies have not shown a significant protective effect of vitamin E supplementation against colorectal cancer.
• Lung Cancer: Some studies suggest a potential protective effect of vitamin E against lung cancer, particularly in smokers, but results are inconsistent.
• Breast Cancer: Research on vitamin E’s role in breast cancer prevention and treatment has been inconclusive.

Given the complex relationship between vitamin E and cancer, it’s crucial to approach supplementation with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with a history of cancer or elevated cancer risk.

Vitamin E Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

While vitamin E deficiency is rare in healthy individuals consuming a balanced diet, certain conditions and factors can increase the risk of deficiency. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of vitamin E deficiency is important for maintaining optimal health.

Common Causes of Vitamin E Deficiency

• Fat malabsorption disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease)
• Genetic disorders affecting vitamin E metabolism
• Extremely low-fat diets
• Premature birth in very low birth weight infants
• Chronic liver disease

What are the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency? Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency can include:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of muscle mass
• Abnormal eye movements
• Vision problems
• Impaired immune function
• Neurological problems (e.g., loss of balance, coordination issues)

Diagnosing and Treating Vitamin E Deficiency

Diagnosis of vitamin E deficiency typically involves blood tests to measure vitamin E levels. In cases of confirmed deficiency, treatment usually consists of oral vitamin E supplementation under medical supervision. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.

For individuals with fat malabsorption disorders, water-soluble forms of vitamin E or intramuscular injections may be necessary to ensure proper absorption.

Prevention of vitamin E deficiency in at-risk populations, such as premature infants or individuals with malabsorption disorders, may involve routine supplementation or dietary modifications as recommended by healthcare providers.

Future Research and Emerging Topics in Vitamin E

As our understanding of vitamin E continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new areas of potential benefit and investigating unanswered questions about this essential nutrient. Several exciting avenues of research are currently underway or planned for the future.

Emerging Areas of Vitamin E Research

• Vitamin E and cognitive health in aging populations
• The role of vitamin E in metabolic disorders
• Interactions between vitamin E and other antioxidants
• Personalized vitamin E supplementation based on genetic factors
• Novel delivery methods for improved vitamin E absorption

What new discoveries about vitamin E are on the horizon? While it’s difficult to predict specific outcomes, ongoing research may provide valuable insights into:

• The optimal forms and dosages of vitamin E for various health conditions
• The long-term effects of vitamin E supplementation on chronic diseases
• The potential synergistic effects of vitamin E with other nutrients and compounds
• The role of vitamin E in epigenetic regulation and gene expression

Challenges in Vitamin E Research

Despite ongoing efforts, several challenges persist in vitamin E research:

• Difficulty in isolating the effects of vitamin E from other dietary and lifestyle factors
• Variability in individual responses to vitamin E supplementation
• Ethical considerations in conducting long-term, high-dose supplementation studies
• Complexities in measuring vitamin E status and its biological effects

As research continues, it’s important for consumers and healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest findings and recommendations regarding vitamin E use and supplementation. Future discoveries may lead to more targeted and effective applications of this important nutrient in health and disease prevention.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Vitamin E is a vitamin that dissolves in fat. It is found in many foods including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, and fruits.

Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body. It is also an antioxidant. Vitamin E that occurs naturally in foods (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is different from man-made vitamin E that is in supplements (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol).

Vitamin E is used for treating vitamin E deficiency, which is rare, but can occur in people with certain genetic disorders and in very low-weight premature infants. Vitamin E is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• An inherited condition that affects motor control (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency or AVED). Taking vitamin E by mouth is effective for treating vitamin E deficiency due to this genetic movement disorder.
• Vitamin E deficiency. Taking vitamin E by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin E deficiency.

Possibly Effective for

• Alzheimer disease. Taking vitamin E supplements by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent Alzheimer disease from developing. But in people who already have Alzheimer disease, taking vitamin E along with some anti-Alzheimer medicines might slow down memory loss.
• A blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to benefit children with this blood disorder.
• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking vitamin E by mouth for 2 days before bleeding and for 3 days after bleeding starts seems to decrease pain and reduce menstrual blood loss.
• An inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to break down in response to stress (G6PD deficiency). Taking vitamin E by mouth, alone or together with selenium, might benefit people with this condition.
• Bleeding within the skull (intracranial hemorrhage). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to reduce the risk of bleeding in the skull in premature infants.
• Bleeding into or around the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage). Giving vitamin E by mouth to premature infants can reduce the risk for bleeding into the brain. But giving high doses of vitamin E might increase the risk for a serious blood infection (sepsis) in these infants.
• Reduced benefit of nitrate therapy that happens when nitrates are used all day (nitrate tolerance). Taking vitamin E by mouth daily can help prevent nitrate tolerance.
• Swelling (inflammation) and build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). Taking vitamin E by mouth daily seems to improve inflammation and liver markers of this form of liver disease in adults and children.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to reduce anxiety, craving, and depression in some people with PMS.
• A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to improve symptoms associated with this movement disorder.

Possibly Ineffective for

• An eye disease that leads to vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD). Taking vitamin E by mouth, alone or along with other antioxidants, isn’t effective for preventing or treating age-related vision loss.
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS). Taking vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) by mouth along with conventional medication doesn’t affect function or increase survival rates in people with ALS.
• Chest pain (angina). Taking vitamin E by mouth might have some effect on the functioning of blood vessels, but it doesn’t appear to reduce chest pain.
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Taking vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) by mouth doesn’t appear to reduce the hardening of arteries in people with this condition.
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Taking vitamin E by mouth, alone or along with selenium, doesn’t improve symptoms of eczema.
• Hot flashes in people treated for breast cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce hot flashes in females who have had breast cancer.
• A lung disease that affects newborns (bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce an infant’s risk for developing this lung disease.
• Cataracts. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t prevent cataracts.
• Nerve damage in the hands and feet caused by cancer drug treatment. Taking vitamin E before and after treatment with certain cancer drugs does not reduce the risk of nerve damage.
• Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk for colon cancer or rectal cancer.
• Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Taking vitamin E by mouth for 12 weeks doesn’t seem to improve heart function in people with CHF. It also doesn’t decrease the chance of developing CHF.
• Head and neck cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth daily doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer returning. In fact, it might actually increase the risk of the cancer returning. People with head and neck cancer should avoid daily vitamin E supplements in doses of more than 400 IU daily.
• High blood pressure. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to lower blood pressure in people already taking blood pressure medications.
• Infants with birth weight below the 10th percentile due to inadequate nutrition. Taking vitamin E by mouth throughout pregnancy doesn’t lower the risk of having a baby with a low birth weight because of inadequate nutrition while in the womb.
• Liver disease. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk of death in people with liver disease.
• White patches inside the mouth that are usually caused by smoking (oral leukoplakia). Taking vitamin E by mouth for up to 7 years doesn’t reduce the risk for mouth sores in males who smoke.
• Osteoarthritis. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to decrease pain or stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. Vitamin E also doesn’t seem to prevent osteoarthritis from becoming worse.
• Pancreatic cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth, alone or together with other antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, doesn’t seem to reduce the risk for pancreatic cancer.
• Parkinson disease. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce or slow the worsening of Parkinson disease symptoms.
• A type of throat cancer (pharyngeal cancer). Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of mouth or pharyngeal cancer in people with diabetes.
• A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pre-eclampsia). Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
• Preterm birth. Taking vitamin E by mouth during pregnancy doesn’t lower the risk for preterm birth.
• Prostate cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk for prostate cancer. It might actually increase the risk in some people.
• Infection of the airways. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to help prevent respiratory tract infections. It also doesn’t seem to lessen symptoms in people with a respiratory infection.
• An inherited eye condition that causes poor night vision and loss of side vision (retinitis pigmentosa). Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to slow vision loss, and might actually increase vision loss in people with this condition.
• Scarring. Applying vitamin E to the skin doesn’t seem to reduce scarring after surgery.
• Stillbirth. Taking vitamin E by mouth throughout pregnancy doesn’t lower the risk of stillbirth.

Likely InEffective for

• Breast cancer. Increasing vitamin E intake from the diet or taking vitamin E supplements by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk for breast cancer.
• Cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t lower overall cancer risk.
• Heart disease. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t prevent heart disease in healthy people or those at risk. It also doesn’t seem to prevent stroke or heart attack in people with heart disease.
• Death of an unborn or premature baby. Giving vitamin E by mouth to preterm infants doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of death in the infant.
• A type of benign (non-cancerous) breast disease (fibrocystic breast disease). Taking vitamin E by mouth for 2-3 months doesn’t help treat fibrocystic breast disease.
• Lung cancer. Taking vitamin E by mouth for up to 8 years doesn’t reduce the risk of developing lung cancer in males who smoke.
• Death from any cause. Taking vitamin E by mouth doesn’t reduce the risk of death from any cause.
• Growth and development in premature infants. Giving vitamin E by mouth doesn’t seem to prevent or treat anemia in preterm infants.

There is interest in using vitamin E for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Vitamin E is likely safe for most people when taken in doses lower than 1000 mg daily. This is the same as 1100 IU of synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) or 1500 IU of natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol). The risk of side effects increases with higher doses. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and bleeding. Vitamin E is possibly unsafe when taken in doses greater than 1000 mg daily.

When applied to the skin: Vitamin E is likely safe for most people.

When inhaled: Vitamin E is possibly unsafe. Use of e-cigarettes and other vaping products containing vitamin E acetate has been linked to serious lung injury in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Vitamin E is likely safe for most people when taken in doses lower than 1000 mg daily. This is the same as 1100 IU of synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) or 1500 IU of natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol). The risk of side effects increases with higher doses. Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and bleeding. Vitamin E is possibly unsafe when taken in doses greater than 1000 mg daily.

When applied to the skin: Vitamin E is likely safe for most people.

When inhaled: Vitamin E is possibly unsafe. Use of e-cigarettes and other vaping products containing vitamin E acetate has been linked to serious lung injury in some people. Pregnancy: When used in the recommended daily amount, vitamin E is possibly safe during pregnancy. Do not take vitamin E supplements during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy without speaking with your healthcare provider. It might be harmful to the baby. Later in pregnancy, the maximum recommended amount of vitamin E is 800 mg in those 14-18 years of age and 1000 mg in those older than 18 years of age.

Breast-feeding: Vitamin E is likely safe when taken by mouth in recommended daily amounts. The maximum recommended amount of vitamin E while breast-feeding is 800 mg in those 14-18 years of age and 1000 mg in those older than 18 years of age. Vitamin E is possibly unsafe when taken in doses greater than the maximum recommended amount.

Children: Vitamin E is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately. But children should avoid taking doses of vitamin E higher than the daily upper limits. These limits are 300 IU in children 1-3 years of age, 450 IU in children 4-8 years of age, 900 IU in children 9-13 years of age, and 1200 IU in children 14-18 years of age.

Bleeding disorders: Vitamin E might make bleeding disorders worse. If you have a bleeding disorder, avoid taking vitamin E supplements.

Heart disease: Vitamin E might increase the risk for death in people with a history of heart disease. People with a history of heart disease should avoid taking doses of vitamin E greater than 400 IU daily.

Diabetes: Vitamin E might increase the risk for heart failure in people with diabetes. People with diabetes should avoid taking doses of vitamin E greater than 400 IU daily.

Head and neck cancer: Vitamin E might increase the chance that this cancer will return. Do not take vitamin E supplements in doses greater than 400 IU daily.

Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis): Exercise is sometimes used by people with osteoporosis to improve bone strength. Exercising and taking high doses of vitamin E and vitamin C might lessen the benefits of exercise on bone strength.

Prostate cancer: Vitamin E might increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. The effect of vitamin E in people who currently have prostate cancer isn’t clear, but it might worsen the condition.

An inherited eye condition that causes poor night vision and loss of side vision (retinitis pigmentosa): All-rac-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) 400 IU seems to speed vision loss in people with this condition. But much lower amounts (3 IU) don’t seem to have this effect. If you have this condition, it is best to avoid vitamin E supplements.

Stroke: Vitamin E might increase the risk for death in some people with a history of stroke. People with a history of stroke should avoid taking doses of vitamin E greater than 400 IU daily.

Surgery: Vitamin E might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using vitamin E supplements at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Taking large amounts of vitamin E along with cyclosporine might increase how much cyclosporine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.

• Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Vitamin E might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effects of some medications used for cancer. If you are taking medications for cancer, check with your healthcare provider before taking vitamin E.

• Vitamin E might slow blood clotting. Taking vitamin E along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Taking niacin along with the drug simvastatin can increase good cholesterol levels. Taking niacin plus simvastatin along with vitamin E and other antioxidants can decrease the effects of niacin and simvastatin on good cholesterol levels. It is unknown if vitamin E alone decreases the effects of niacin plus simvastatin on good cholesterol levels.

• Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Vitamin E can also slow blood clotting. Taking vitamin E along with warfarin can increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effects of medications used for cancer. If you are taking medications for cancer, check with your healthcare provider before taking vitamin E.

• Selumetinib, a drug used for cancer, contains vitamin E. Taking selumetinib with vitamin E-containing supplements can result in an unsafe dose of vitamin E. This could increase the risk of bleeding.

Dosing

Vitamin E is an important nutrient. Vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, and wheat germ oil are good sources of vitamin E. The amount that should be consumed on a daily basis is called the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The RDA for natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) in adults is 15 mg (22 IU), 15 mg (22 IU) during pregnancy, and 19 mg (28 IU) when breastfeeding.

Keep in mind that the doses of natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin E that has been made in the lab (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) are calculated differently. This can make supplement dosing confusing. The American Heart Association recommends obtaining vitamin E by eating a well-balanced diet rather than from supplements until more is known about the risks and benefits of these supplements.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Symptoms, Side Effects, and Treatment

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that plays many important roles in your body.

However, as with many vitamins, getting too much can lead to health complications. In this case, it’s known as vitamin E overdose, or vitamin E toxicity.

This article reviews vitamin E toxicity, including its symptoms and side effects, as well as how to treat and prevent it.

Vitamin E toxicity is when an excessive amount of vitamin E builds up in your body and causes health complications.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as an antioxidant. It may decrease your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, vision problems, and brain disorders (1).

One of its key functions is to keep blood vessels dilated and prevent clots from forming in your blood vessels (1).

The Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E is 15 mg per day. The following foods are rich in vitamin E (1):

• Oils: soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, corn oil
• Nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, peanuts
• Fruits: kiwis, mangoes, tomatoes
• Vegetables: spinach, broccoli

Given that fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fat, they can build up in your body fat, especially if you’re taking in excessive amounts through diet or supplements (2).

For vitamin E, the Upper Limit (UL) — or the amount that most people can consume daily through food and supplements without complications — is 1,000 mg (1).

Summary

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin. If taken in high doses, it can build up in your body fat and cause complications.

Many people take vitamin E supplements in the hopes of improving their immune system, decreasing their risk of cancer, or strengthening their hair, skin, and nails via the vitamin’s antioxidant and potentially anti-aging effects (3, 4).

However, vitamin E supplements are unnecessary and provide little benefit unless you are deficient in the vitamin (1).

People on low fat diets or those with disorders that affect their ability to digest and absorb fat, such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis, may be at an increased risk of vitamin E deficiency (1, 5).

Summary

Unless you’re vitamin E deficient, you likely don’t need to supplement with it. If you have a fat malabsorption disorder or follow a low fat diet, you may be at an increased risk of vitamin E deficiency.

Excessive vitamin E intake can cause blood thinning and lead to fatal bleeding. It can likewise interfere with blood clotting, which is your body’s natural defense against excessive bleeding after an injury (1, 6).

It has also been linked to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, or a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain (7).

Furthermore, one study suggests that excessive vitamin E intake is linked to a higher risk of death from any cause, but more research is needed to explore this possibility (8).

Given these potentially severe risks, you should not take large doses of vitamin E supplements.

Potential drug interactions

There appears to be little risk of vitamin E interacting with medications when it’s consumed at normal levels.

However, high dose vitamin E supplements — those which provide more than 300 mg per day — can interact with the blood thinners aspirin and warfarin (9).

They can also interfere with tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant used by people who have received an organ transplant (9).

If you have any concerns about potential interactions between vitamin E supplements and your medications, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Summary

Vitamin E overdose may cause excessive blood thinning and lead to a stroke or an increased risk of death. High dose supplements may interfere with blood thinners, tamoxifen, and cyclosporine.

Treatment for minor vitamin E toxicity includes discontinuing the use of your vitamin E supplement, but more serious complications may require medical intervention.

The best way to prevent vitamin E toxicity is to keep your daily intake of vitamin E — both from supplements and foods — below the UL of 1,000 mg per day. Overdose is unlikely to happen as a result of eating vitamin-E-rich foods alone (1).

That said, vitamin E supplements may start to interfere with medications when taken in excess of 300 mg per day, and one study noted an increased risk of stroke in people taking 180 mg per day (7, 9).

However, most people don’t need nearly this much, as the DV is only 15 mg. If you have any questions or concerns about vitamin E supplements, talk to your healthcare provider.

Also, make sure to store these supplements in a safe place that’s out of the reach of children. Because vitamin E is fat soluble, it poses an increased risk of toxicity and complications in children.

Summary

Treatment for vitamin E toxicity includes discontinuing the use of your vitamin E supplements. To prevent it, don’t take more than 1,000 mg of vitamin E daily between food and supplements.

Although vitamin E is a necessary nutrient, it’s possible to overdose on it — especially when taking supplements.

Vitamin E toxicity can cause severe complications like blood thinning and may increase your risk of stroke and death from any cause.

To prevent vitamin E toxicity, be sure that you don’t get more than 1,000 mg per day of vitamin E between supplements and food.

Is

useful? harmful? in what doses? – DW – 03/16/2012

03/16/2012 March 16, 2012

New studies performed by Japanese and American scientists make them doubt the harmlessness of high doses of vitamin E.

https://p.dw.com/ p/14LJz

Pills on a plate Photo: Fotolia Advertising

The statement that the normal functioning of the body without vitamins is impossible today is perceived as a banality. And the statement that the vitamins contained in food may not be enough to cover the daily needs of the body is hardly surprising. It is not for nothing that various multivitamin-mineral complexes, biologically active food supplements and other pills and powders have become so widespread. True, it should be borne in mind that we are not talking about the treatment of any specific diseases, but only about prevention.

However, the German Nutrition Society has recently made significant changes to its recommendations for the daily intake of vitamin D, increasing the previous norm by no less than four times, and this despite the fact that this vitamin can be produced by itself under the influence of sunlight. the human body. However, in winter, many people experience an acute deficiency of vitamin D. In this case, what can we say about those vitamins that are not synthesized by the human body and must be supplied from outside! But most of these vitamins.

Butter porridge can be spoiled

For example, vitamin E is an active antioxidant that protects cell membranes from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. Vitamin E is found in particularly high amounts in vegetable oils, butter, eggs, nuts, and whole grains, but it is present in many other foods, so deficiency is very rare. However, many people take supplemental vitamin E in pill form, believing that it reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and believing that “you can’t ruin porridge with butter.”

But now it turns out that you will spoil it very much. A group of Japanese scientists published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine the results of their study, indicating that an excess of vitamin E causes – at least in animal experiments – bone atrophy. “We wanted to find out what role vitamin E plays in bone formation, as it is believed to prevent osteoporosis, but it turned out that it actually reduces bone mass,” said Shu Takeda, project leader from Keio University in Tokyo. Vitamin E stimulates the formation of osteoclasts – huge multinucleated cells that destroy bone tissue. This molecular effect of vitamin E has not been previously known. ”

What is the optimal dose?

The Japanese researchers worked with two different model organisms – mice and rats. One group of rodents was fed a standard diet, the other was fed a diet fortified with vitamin E. The study lasted eight weeks. “Both in mice and rats, the results were almost the same,” says the scientist. “Those animals in the diet of which there was a lot of vitamin E lost 20 to 30 percent of bone mass.”

It should be recognized that the recommended daily intake of vitamin E is only 10 milligrams, however, much larger daily doses have so far been considered harmless. And an overdose in Europe is considered to be the consumption of more than 300 milligrams of vitamin E per day. In Japan, this limit is even higher – at the level of 1000 milligrams.

It is clear that the results of animal experiments cannot be mechanically transferred to humans, and yet Shu Takeda believes that ideas about the optimal daily dose of vitamin E need to be revised. The work of Japanese scientists was also highly appreciated in the USA. Professor Eric Klein, a surgeon at the University Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, says: “There is no doubt that we need to better understand the mechanism of action of vitamin E, and this study has made a valuable contribution to this task. It has revealed a previously unknown biological function of vitamin E “.

So what is the use of vitamin E?

Professor Kline also believes that the excess of the daily intake of vitamin E is not at all as harmless as it is commonly believed. And besides, he doubts the healing properties that are often attributed to him. The surgeon refers to a large-scale scientific study conducted by him and his colleagues, in which 35,000 male patients took part. The purpose of the study was to find out whether high doses of vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.

The scientist says: “As we point out in our latest publication, there is no evidence that vitamin E supplementation reduces the risk of any serious disease. It does not prevent cardiovascular disease, bowel cancer, lung cancer, or prostate cancer. “As for prostate cancer, in fact, vitamin E even slightly increases its risk. That is, taking large doses of vitamin E does not bring any benefit. But it can cause harm.”

For example, to cause resorption of bone tissue – the one that was observed in rodents. Japanese scientists are now preparing to conduct similar experiments on humans.

Author: Vladimir Fradkin
Editor: Daria Bryantseva

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What you need to know about vitamin E excess. Who should use tocopherol supplements. Side Effects of Too Much Vitamin E

May 14, 2020

Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is an essential micronutrient involved in many vital bodily processes. However, despite the need to consume it, excessive use of supplements high in this nutrient can lead to negative consequences. In this article, we will look at the potential risks of vitamin E abuse, as well as the symptoms and side effects.

What you need to know about an excess of vitamin E

An excess of vitamin E occurs when it is accumulated in the body in large volumes. This phenomenon can lead to health problems.

Vitamin E is known to be a fat-soluble nutrient. At the same time, it acts on the body like antioxidants. The use of this microelement helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, prevents the development of certain types of cancer and prevents vision problems and disruption of the brain.

One of the main functions of tocopherol is to dilate blood vessels and prevent blood clots. The Daily Value (DV) of this nutrient is 15 milligrams.

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fats. In this regard, they can accumulate in the adipose tissue of the body. This process can be observed with the use of appropriate additives in excessive amounts. To date, the maximum allowable intake of vitamin E (UL), which does not cause side effects and glut, is 1000 milligrams per day.

Who Should Use Tocopherol Supplements

strengthening nails and hair, as well as improving skin condition. However, such an approach to the use of this substance is ineffective in the absence of tocopherol deficiency.

People with insufficient fat intake or with disorders that affect fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis, may be at risk of developing acute vitamin E deficiency.

Side effects of too much vitamin E

Excessive intake of vitamin E can lead to a decrease in blood viscosity, which in turn can cause internal bleeding and death.

An excess of this nutrient can also impair clotting, increasing the risk of severe bleeding even in minor injuries.

Some scientists have also linked too much alpha tocopherol to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.

One study found that excessive intake of high vitamin E supplements substantially increased the risk of death. However, further studies are needed to confirm this.

Given the above risks, doctors do not recommend the use of tocopherol in large quantities.

Vitamin E Drug Interactions

Vitamin E may interact with certain drugs even when consumed within the normal range. Thus, the researchers note that with the use of tocopherol supplements in the amount of more than 300 milligrams per day, an increase in the action of blood thinners is observed. Also, this nutrient can interact with aspirin and warfarin.

Researchers are also noting the effects of vitamin E on tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer, and cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug used by people after organ transplants.

If you have any concerns about the possible interaction of vitamin supplements and drugs, you should consult your doctor.

Treatment and prevention of vitamin E excess

Treatment of mild vitamin E excess involves avoiding the use of tocopherol supplements. However, serious complications caused by excessive consumption of this nutrient may require medical intervention.

One of the most effective ways to prevent vitamin E overdose is to stick to the daily allowance for both supplements and foods. However, as scientists note, the risk of overdose when foods high in tocopherol are included in the diet is unlikely.

Inclusion of dietary supplements in the diet can adversely affect the intake of medications, especially if they are taken in amounts of more than 300 milligrams per day. So, in one of the studies, scientists noted that the consumption of more than 180 milligrams of tocopherol over a long period significantly increases the risk of stroke.