DESCRIPTION

This vitamin is one of the antioxidant nutrients (the others are vitamins A and C and the minerals selenium and zinc). Vitamin E has had many names, one of the earliest was "the anti-sterility vitamin."

Vitamin E is very good for the skin. Vitamin E is used to treat menopausal hot flashes, because it regulates the body’s temperature. Vitamin E exists naturally in many different forms and strengths.

BENEFITS

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It breaks down fats. It gives energy. Vitamin E protects the body’s cells and other important nutrients. It aids healing. It prevents thrombosis. Vitamin E increases the efficiency of oxygen, so it can increase levels of fitness. Vitamin E is an anticlotting agent. It is vital for the nervous system to function correctly.

WHO MAY NEED TO SUPPLEMENT

Women with menstrual or menopausal problems

People after undergoing surgery, to speed healing

People with poor circulation, varicose veins

Sufferers of Parkinson’s disease

People with cardiovascular problems

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Deficiency of vitamin E is unlikely as it is easily and widely available and if fats and oils can be absorbed, there is no problem.

There is no specific disease to show vitamin E deficiency, but chronic shortage of this vitamin is thought to lead to a host of illnesses, while some conditions are acknowledged to lead to a shortage of vitamin E. Such conditions include: low red blood cell count, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis.

REQUIREMENTS (RNI)

The amount of vitamin E required is dependent upon the amount of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in the diet. The COMA 1991 report decided that the amount of PUFAs vary so much from person to person, as do individual requirements of vitamin E, that a fixed recommended amount was impossible to arrive at. However, 0.4mg/g PUFA has been judged suitable in the USA. If PUFAs provide six percent of dietary energy, men would require 7mg per day and women 5mg per day.

SAFETY

Vitamin E is thought to be safe up to amounts of 3,200 mg per day. Levels over 800 iu have occasionally been associated with fatigue, nausea, raised blood pressure and mild gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms are reversible when a gradual decrease of intake is effected.

BEST FOOD SOURCES

INTERACTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

If you are taking anticoagulant medicines, vitamin E must only be taken with your doctor’s approval. Vitamin E activity is increased by selenium and vice versa. Diabetics are generally advised to avoid vitamin E supplements.