Why do people take vitamin E?

Many people take vitamin E supplements to aim that the antioxidant properties in their content can prevent or treat diseases. However, studies of vitamin E to prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, cataracts, and many other conditions point to unsatisfactory results.

So far, the only benefit of vitamin E supplements is in people who are actually deficient. Vitamin E deficiency is rare.

They are more likely to occur in people who have diseases, such as digestive problems and cystic fibrosis. People who are in the process of a low-fat diet may also experience Vitamin E deficiency.

How much vitamin E should you take?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) includes vitamin E that you get from foods and supplements or anything else you consume.

The tolerable intake rate of the supplement is the highest amount that most people can safely consume. Higher doses can serve to treat vitamin E deficiency, but you should not take more unless the doctor says so.

Vitamin E is the same as some other nutrients that are included in fat soluble, therefore the best supplement of vitamin E is to absorb it from food.

Can get vitamin E naturally from food?

Most people get enough vitamin E from food. Good sources of vitamin E include:

Vegetable oil

Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach

Fortified cereals and other foods

Egg

Crazy

What are the risks of taking vitamin E?

The risks and benefits of taking vitamin E remain unclear. Studies have linked the use of vitamin E to an increase in hemorrhagic stroke.

In addition, analysis of clinical trials found patients who took synthetic vitamin E or natural vitamin E at doses of 400 IU per day – or higher – had an increased risk of death from all causes, which appeared to increase even more at higher doses.

Cardiovascular studies have also shown that patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease who take 400 IU of natural vitamin E per day have an increased risk of heart failure and hospitalizations related to heart failure.

Vitamin E supplements may be dangerous if you take them in early pregnancy. One study found that women who took vitamin E supplements during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy had a 1.7 to nine-fold increase in congenital heart defects.

The exact amount of vitamin E supplements used by pregnant women in this study is not yet known.

A large population study showed that men who used multivitamins more than seven times per week in conjunction with separate vitamin E supplements actually had a significantly increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

The American Heart Association recommends getting antioxidants, including vitamin E, by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than supplements.

If you are considering taking a vitamin E supplement, talk to your healthcare provider first to find out if it's right for you.

What are the side effects of taking vitamin E?

Topical vitamin E can irritate the skin. Excess consumption of Vitamin E also results in headaches, nausea, fatigue, maintenance, and other symptoms.

People taking blood thinners or other medications should not take vitamin E supplements without first talking to their healthcare provider.