Vitamin E : Deficiency, Supplements, Overdose & Scientific Studies

(Vitamin E plays an important Role in Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation )

Recalling Vitamin E

We know a lot about Vitamin E from my previous article. We also know that, when we consume Vitamin E in adequate amounts it protects us against stress due to oxidation, age-related cognitive decline, blocked arteries in heart, high blood pressure, hardened arteries in the leg, varicose veins and age-related eye damage. It mainly neutralizes free radicals that damage fat-containing structures i.e. cell membranes and brain cells. Along with facilitating healthy muscles, adequate intake of Vitamin E maintains our skin, hair, eyesight and immunity. In this article, I have mentioned the food sources, RDAs, deficiency, supplements and overdose of vitamin E consumption.

Deficiency 

It is 100% correct that Vitamin E deficiencies are rare in humans, but it is sometimes found in some cases for example :

• It has been observed as a result of malnutrition. 
• Very low birth weight premature infants.
• People with fat absorption problems i.e. people who struggle with inflammatory bowel disease.
• People with Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis or an inability to secrete bile from the liver into the digestive tract.
• People who often pass greasy stools or have chronic diarrhea.

What if one is found vitamin E deficient?

• One may face malfunction in his/her digestive system with vitamin E deficiency which will lead to poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract, Pain, tingling gastrointestinal diseases etc. 
• With vitamin E deficiency, nervous system related problems occurs in hands, arms, legs and feet. 
• Vitamin E also leads to the condition of dry hair or loss of hair, development of Cataract, Muscular weakness, Slow tissue healing and Leg cramps.

Supplements

Vitamin E supplement works best if one take it with food. Vitamin E is strongly effective in treating the movement disorder (ataxia). But there are some other areas also where vitamin E is supplemented to treat.

• Vitamin E supplementation in very low-weight premature infants might reduce the risk of some complications, such as those affecting the retina.
• Vitamin E supplementation is used for treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries, heart attack, chest pain, leg pain due to blocked arteries and high blood pressure.
  
• Water-soluble forms of vitamin E, such as “Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol-1000 Succinate” is generally given to people who have inability to secrete bile from their liver into their digestive tract or People who often pass greasy stools or have chronic diarrhea.
• Vitamin E supplementation is used for diseases of the brain, nervous system and for improving physical endurance, increasing energy, reducing muscle damage after exercise, and improving muscle strength.
• Vitamin E supplementation is used in women for preventing complications in late pregnancy due to high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, menopausal syndrome, hot flashes associated with breast cancer and breast cysts.
• Vitamin E is also supplemented for cataracts, asthma, respiratory infections, skin disorders, aging skin, sunburns, cystic fibrosis, infertility, impotence, chronic fatigue syndrome, peptic ulcers and allergies.

Overdose

Vitamin E is likely safe when taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended daily dose. In fact, research studies has not found any adverse effects from consuming vitamin E in food till now. But high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements can cause hemorrhage and interrupt blood coagulation and inhibit platelet aggregation. So, long-term intakes above the Upper Level Intake increase the risk of adverse health effects. People do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended daily dose, i.e. 15 mg. Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, tiredness, blurred vision, or tiredness.

Scientific studies

Like other micro nutrients, Vitamin E also has been studied for the prevention or treatment of many health conditions. However, except from vitamin E deficiency, there is a lack of strong evidence to support its use for any disease till date. I have mentioned some of the studies here.

• Many studies have found that people with higher levels of vitamin E in their bodies have a lower risk of heart disease.
• Other studies suggest that eating foods high in vitamin E and other antioxidants may help prevent cancer. Several large studies show that women who take vitamin E supplements do not have a risk of developing breast cancer.
• However some studies of vitamin E using for preventing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and many other conditions have been disappointing.
• One study suggests that taking vitamin E, along with standard medications for rheumatoid arthritis, may help reduce pain, but not inflammation, better than standard medications alone. 
• A few studies have found that vitamin E may help relieve menstrual pain. A few studies also suggest that vitamin E supplements may help reduce PMS symptoms including anxiety, food cravings and depression.
• Scientists have found that the gamma tocotrienol form of vitamin E may regulate certain gene signals in the skin that help prevent the damage typically seen after UVB exposure.
• Scientists have found that delta tocotrienols are quite effective at slowing the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for unsightly age spots.