Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant in many foods. It supports the immune system, helps keep blood vessels healthy, and plays a role in gene expression and cell signaling.<\/p>\n
There are eight forms of naturally occurring vitamin E, and alpha-tocopherol is the one that the body mainly uses.<\/p>\n
In this article, we explore evidence of specific health benefits of vitamin E. We also look at food sources and supplements, including interactions and other risks.<\/p>\n
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant it helps protect the body from free radicals. <\/p>\n
Free radicals are molecules generated as a normal part of metabolism. They can cause damage and disease and contribute to the aging process. <\/p>\n
Additionally, vitamin E is important for immune function, gene expression, and cell signaling. It helps widen blood vessels and prevent excessive clotting. <\/p>\n
Researchers have investigated whether vitamin E may also help prevent or treat specific conditions. <\/p>\n
The results concerning many uses of the vitamin, including to help prevent cognitive decline, are conflicting or inconclusive. <\/p>\n
Despite a general lack of strong conclusions, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cite some research suggesting that vitamin E might have particular benefits for people with:<\/p>\n
Various studies suggest that vitamin E can help prevent or delay coronary heart disease (CHD). <\/p>\n
In vitro research indicates that vitamin E inhibits the formation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and may thus help prevent blood clots. In addition, several observational studies associate lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intakes. <\/p>\n
However, some randomized clinical trials cast doubt on the ability of vitamin E supplements to help prevent CHD. <\/p>\n
Overall, the NIH observe, determining whether vitamin E supplements benefit people with CHD will require more extended studies that include younger participants. <\/p>\n
Vitamin E may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. <\/p>\n
The NIH cite evidence that taking vitamin E with zinc, copper, and other antioxidants may slow the diseases progression in people with a high risk of an advanced form. <\/p>\n
However, they acknowledge that the evidence supporting the use of vitamin E to treat or prevent eye disorders is inconsistent. <\/p>\n
Researchers have investigated the antioxidant and immune-modulating effects of vitamin E on cancer. For example, an older study, from 2002, found that long-term vitamin E supplementation may reduce death from bladder cancer. <\/p>\n
However, the NIH warn that there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin E for cancer. They also report that it may increase the risk of prostate cancer.<\/p>\n
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial found that males taking vitamin E had an increased risk of prostate cancer, but that participants who also took supplements of the trace mineral selenium did not have an increased risk. <\/p>\n
Overall, a person should not take vitamin E or selenium supplements for cancer prevention, as researchers do not fully understand how these supplements work. <\/p>\n
They are also unsure whether these supplements interact with foods, other supplements, and medicines. <\/p>\n
The NIH warn of health risks associated with vitamin E supplements. <\/p>\n
They cite research linking using high-dose vitamin E supplements to increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, which results from bleeding in the brain, and prostate cancer. <\/p>\n
They also report that vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin).<\/p>\n
In addition, the NIH warn that vitamin E supplements can interact with a combination of simvastatin and niacin, as well as with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. <\/p>\n
Authors of a 2015 review found that the available research does not support taking vitamin E supplements during pregnancy. <\/p>\n
The nutrient does not help prevent pregnancy problems and may cause abdominal pain and early rupture of membranes, the team reports.<\/p>\n
Research into vitamin E and lactation is scarce. Overall, anyone who is breastfeeding should speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements. <\/p>\n
Vitamin E is in many foods and also available as a supplement. <\/p>\n
A person can find vitamin E in:<\/p>\n
Below, learn how much vitamin E is in specific foods:<\/p>\n
Vitamin E supplements are available in natural or synthetic forms. <\/p>\n
The NIH note that manufacturers usually label natural forms with the letter d, as in d-gamma-tocopherol. They label synthetic forms dl, as in dl-alpha-tocopherol.<\/p>\n
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have required manufacturers to list vitamin E quantities in milligrams (mg) since January 2020. Smaller companies may still use old labels listing the contents in international units (IU) until January 2021. <\/p>\n
People can convert IU to mg using the following formulae:<\/p>\n
People can convert mg to IU with the following formulae:<\/p>\n
The recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of vitamin E varies, depending on a persons age and breastfeeding status:<\/p>\n
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant nutrient that supports the immune system and the health of the blood and blood vessels. It is also involved in gene expression and cell signaling.<\/p>\n
People usually get enough vitamin E from a healthful diet that contains adequate fats. Vitamin E-rich foods include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. However, health issues that affect the absorption of nutrients may cause a person to develop a deficiency.<\/p>\n
Research into the capacity of vitamin E to prevent or treat specific health issues is generally conflicting. However, further studies may confirm suggested benefits for people with heart disease or age-related macular degeneration.<\/p>\n
Anyone taking ongoing medication should check with a doctor before taking vitamin E supplements. Consulting an oncologist first is crucial for people who have cancer, especially if they are currently undergoing treatment. <\/p>\n
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Vitamin E: Benefits, safety, and where to find it - Medical News Today<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant in many foods. It supports the immune system, helps keep blood vessels healthy, and plays a role in gene expression and cell signaling. Continue reading