Unlocking the Power of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds that play a vital role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. With eight different chemical forms, vitamin E is responsible for a range of biological functions, from protecting cells from damage to supporting immune function.

Sources of Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be found in a variety of foods, including:

– Vegetable oils (such as wheat germ oil and sunflower oil)
– Cereals
– Meat
– Eggs
– Fruits (such as mangoes and avocados)
– Vegetables (such as pumpkin, beet greens, and spinach)

Functions of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. This helps to:

– Prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease
– Support immune function
– Protect against age-related macular degeneration
– Slow down cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Deficiency Conditions

Vitamin E deficiency is rare, but can occur in people who have difficulty absorbing fat. Symptoms of deficiency include:

– Damage to the retina of the eye
– Damage to peripheral nerves, causing weakness and pain
– Loss of control of body movements (ataxia)
– Reduced immunity

Recommended Daily Intake

The recommended daily intake of vitamin E is:

– 15 mg/day for adults
– 4-5 mg/day for infants under 12 months

Precautions and Interactions

While vitamin E is generally safe, high doses can cause:

– Hemorrhage
– Interference with blood coagulation and platelet aggregation

Vitamin E supplements should be avoided in certain conditions, such as:

– Before undergoing angioplasty
– Bleeding disorders
– Diabetes
– Head and neck cancer
– Liver disease
– Osteoporosis
– Stroke
– Low levels of vitamin K

Benefits of Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E supplements may be recommended for:

– Premenstrual syndrome
– Reducing menstrual cramps
– Recovery from laser eye surgery
– Treating scarring of tissue caused by radiation therapy
– Anemia caused by chronic illness
– Male infertility
– Inflammation and build-up of fat in the liver
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Inflammation of the eye (uveitis)
– Preventing sunburn

By understanding the functions, sources, and precautions of vitamin E, we can unlock its potential to support our overall health and wellbeing.