Vitamin E

What is it? 

Vitamin E is a vitamin which is found in many food like meat, eggs, poultry, vegetables, cereals, oil, cereals, fruits and wheat germ oil. It is essential for the proper function of body organs. It acts as an anti-oxidant which helps to slow down processes that cause cell damage.

Benefits

There are ongoing research conducted to prove that it is effective for patient with movement disorder (ataxia, dyspraxia), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, beta- thalassemia, dementia, vitamin E deficiency patients, dysmenorrhoea, pre-menstrual syndrome, G6PD deficiency, glomerulosclerosis, hungtington's disease and mild increase in physical performance.

More randomized controlled research studies need to be conducted to prove other proclaimed benefits. 

Possible side effects 

At normal dosing it is likely safe for most people. In low doses which are within the recommended dosage, it is likely safe for consumption for pregnant & lactating women as well as in children. 

At very high doses of more than 300-800 IU daily is associated with 22% increase in stroke especially those with cardiovascular diseases like diabetes and heart diseases. some other possible side effects upon taking high doses of vitamin E include abdomen cramps, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, bleeding, bruising and rash. 

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa should avoid vitamin E as it may speed up visual loss. Patients with bleeding disorders should also avoid vitamin E as it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. 

Drug-Drug Interactions 

Cyclosporin: Taking large amounts of vitamin E increases the absorption cyclosporin and increases its side effects. 

Medicine metabolized by liver: Vitamin E will increase the breakdown of such medications (anti-fungal and statins for example) and reduces its effectiveness. 

Anti-coagulants/anti-platelets & warfarin: as vitamin E slows clotting, when used together with anti-coagulants it will increase risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosage 

According to scientific research on Vitamin E dosing for medically indicated conditions are as follows: 
  • For the movement disorder like tardive dyskinesia: 1600 IU daily.
  • For vitamin E deficiency: a typical dose in adults is  60-75 IU per day.
  • For improving male fertility: vitamin E 200-600 IU daily.
  • For early Huntington’s chorea: 3000 IU.
  • For Alzheimer’s disease: Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg and vitamin E 1000 IU per day has been used to slow memory decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • For G6PD deficiency: vitamin E 800 IU daily.
  • For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 400 IU daily.
  • For painful menses: vitamin E 200 IU twice or 500 IU daily starting 2 days before the menstrual period and continuing through the first 3 days of bleeding.
  • For preventing sunburn:1000 IU in combination with 2 grams of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

If in doubt, please always consult a medical professional first. 


The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for different age groups is as follow: 



CHILDREN

1-3 years : 6 mg/day (9 IU)

4-8 years : 7 mg/day (10.4 IU)

9-13 years: 11 mg/day (16.4 IU)

FEMALES

14 years and above: 15 mg/day (22.4 IU)

Pregnant: 15 mg/day (22.4 IU)

Breastfeeding: 19 mg/day (28.5 IU)

MALES

14 years and above: 15 mg/day (22.4 IU)