Vitamin E is in vegetable oil, green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals, meat, eggs and whole grains. Most people who eat a healthy diet meet their daily requirements for vitamin E; however, individuals with certain medical conditions or those with poor diets may need vitamin E supplements in the form of oil capsules.
Function
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. Antioxidants benefit health by protecting the body from free radicals, which damage cells and tissue and contribute to heart disease, cancer and other chronic conditions. According to Medline Plus, vitamin E is also needed for red blood cell formation and utilization of vitamin K. Vitamin E deficiencies can cause blindness and cognitive impairments. Those who are at risk for vitamin E deficiency and may need vitamin E oil supplements include premature infants and people with Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis.
Alpha-Tocopherol
Alpha-tocopherol is one of several types of vitamin E. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, alpha-tocopherol is the most commonly supplemented form of vitamin E because it is the only one that gets stored in the body and it has the greatest health benefits.
Benefits
Vitamin E helps prevent heart disease, vision problems, certain cancers, Alzheimer's and dementia, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin E may also decrease arthritic inflammation and benefit the immune system. Topical ointments that contain vitamin E are used to treat burn wounds and surgical incisions. Vitamin E is being studied for possible effects on nasal allergies, altitude sickness, chemotherapy, blood disorders, chest pain, kidney and liver disease, high cholesterol, Parkinson's, premenstrual symptoms and asthma.
RDA
Vitamin E is often expressed as milligrams--mg--and international units--IU. A milligram is equivalent to 1.5 IU. Vitamin E's recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, is 4 to 5 mg for infants, 5 to 7 mg for children and 15 mg for teenagers, adults and pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding need 18 to 19 mg a day. According to federal guidelines, adults should not consume more than 1,000 mg, or 1,500 IU, of vitamin E a day.
Side Effects
Vitamin E oil supplements can have side effects, especially with high doses and prolonged use. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin E supplements can interact with prescription medications such as anticoagulants, chemotherapy drugs and medications used to treat high cholesterol. MayoClinic.com notes that rare side effects of vitamin E include abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea, impaired kidney function, fatigue and weakness, headache and vision problems. Some individuals have experienced a rash or eczema with topical vitamin E ointment.
Warnings
Vitamin E oil supplements, like other supplements, may not be strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, many supplements aren't guaranteed to be safe or effective in treating or preventing medical conditions. The American Cancer Society warns that many of the health claims associated with vitamin E have not been scientifically substantiated and require ongoing research. Because of vitamin E's possible side effects and medication interactions, individuals should consult a physician before using vitamin E oil supplements.
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