Vitamin E
Scientific names: Alpha-tocopherolEfficacy rating:
ÒÒÒ...Positive clinical trials
Safety rating:
●...No safety concerns despite wide use.What is Vitamin E?
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Vitamin E is a generic term for a group of tocol and tocotrienol derivatives. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in a variety of forms in many foods (eg, spinach, nuts, sunflower seeds, olives, asparagus, vegetable oils, mangoes, wheat germ, whole-wheat breads). Its most common form in a Western diet is alpha-tocopherol.
What is Vitamin E used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical usesVitamin E was first discovered in 1922, when it was found that reproductive abnormalities in rats reared on a basic diet were cured by a substance isolated from vegetable oils. A pure fraction was chemically identified in 1938 and named tocopherol after the Greek words tokos, which means childbirth, and phero, which means to bring forth.
Cardiovascular effectsVitamin E has been extensively studied for a number of decades. The most important chemical characteristic is its antioxidant property. There have been many studies about the use of vitamin E in cardiovascular conditions. Epidemiological studies report string inverse associations between intake of antioxidant vitamins and coronary artery disease. To summarize, these studies emphasize that, to date, neither the dose of vitamin E that is most effective and safe nor the minimum duration of treatment are known. In view of these findings, the American Heart Association considers the most prudent and scientifically supportable recommendation for the general population is to consume a balanced diet with emphasis on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and whole grains. This advice considers the role of the total diet in influencing disease risk.
CancerVitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Dietary intake of antioxidants, particularly vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene, has been associated with a diminished risk of various malignancies. It has been suggested that the primary mechanism of chemoprevention by antioxidants is through the reduction of DNA-damaged free radicals. Clinical research results show conflicting evidence to support this.
Other usesThe benefits of vitamin E in diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, treatment of age-related macular degeneration, mucositis, as well as a number of neurologic diseases has been reported. Positive outcomes have been suggested for prevention of stretch marks in pregnancy, and pre-eclampsia in women at increased risk of the disease. Vitamin E also may be effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, delaying the onset of Parkinson disease, enhancing T-cell function, and improving immune responses. The role of vitamin E in many other conditions also has been reported in the literature. More definitive clinical research needs to be done in order to understand the many benefits of vitamin E for medical conditions.
What is the dosage of Vitamin E?
Supplementation with vitamin E has been studied widely for a variety of conditions, including arterial stiffness, pediatric obesity-related liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, nonalcoholic hepatitis, athletic training, beta-thalassemia (a genetic disorder), the common cold, IgA nephropathy, tardive dyskinesia, and cancer prevention. Doses range from 400 to 1,600 units daily, equivalent to 50 to 400 mg of alpha-tocopherol
Is Vitamin E safe?
ContraindicationsContraindications have not yet been identified.
Pregnancy/nursingInformation regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
InteractionsOrlistat may decrease vitamin E absorption, reducing the therapeutic effect. Consider this interaction in patients with vitamin E deficiency who are undergoing orlistat therapy. Vitamin E may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Side EffectsVitamin E (200 to 800 mg daily) does not have any serious side effects in most adults with the possible exception of individuals taking oral anticoagulant therapy and those with vitamin K-related clotting disorders.
ToxicitiesThe toxicity of vitamin E in adults appears to be low.
References
- Vitamin E. Review of Natural Products. factsandcomparisons4.0 [online]. 2004. Available from Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Accessed April 23, 2007.
Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health
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Vitamin E - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
Alzheimer's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tardive Dyskinesia, Dietary Supplementation, Vitamin E Deficiency, Retinopathy Prophylaxis
