Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that may help guard against the damaging effects of free radicals, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC. Free radicals are destructive compounds that may be play a role in the development of cancer, heart disease and premature aging. Vitamin E oil has been suggested to help prevent or treat a variety of conditions.
Cancer
Vitamin E oil shows promise in improving bladder cancer survival rates, according to the Mayo Clinic. Researchers followed more than 991,000 bladder cancer patients for 16 years, ending in 1998. The findings published in December 2002 in the American Journal of Epidemiology determined that long-term vitamin E supplementation appears to lower the risk of dying from bladder cancer.
The research evaluation was headed by E.J. Jacobs of the Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, National Home Office, Atlanta, Georgia.
Vitamin E has been also been proposed as a potential therapy for the prevention or treatment of breast, prostate and colorectal cancers, however further research is needed.
Cancer patients should consult with their health care provider before taking vitamin E, especially while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, advises the American Cancer Society.
Eye Health
Vitamin E is important for good eye health, according to the American Optometric Association or AOA. Vitamin E oil may guard against cataract formation and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration or AMD. AMD is the primary cause of legal blindness in people older than 55.
Taking 400 IU of vitamin E oil along with vitamin C, beta-carotene and zinc appears to have protective effects against AMD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC.
Menstrual-Related Symptoms
Vitamin E oil may help diminish severe menstrual pain known as dysmenorrhoea as well relieve symptoms of menstruation-induced migraines.
A placebo-controlled double-blinded trial involving 72 women published in January 2009 in the journal Medical Science Monitor found vitamin E oil to be effective in relieving menstrual migraines.
A study published in April 2005 BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found twice daily doses of 200 IU of vitamin E decreased the pain of dysmenorrhoea and reduced blood loss. The study involved 278 girls aged 15-17 years.
Both vitamin E studies were lead by Ziaei S of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran.
Diminishes Signs of Skin Aging
The topical application of vitamin E oil may have anti-aging benefits on the skin. Vitamin E oil, appears to improve skin roughness and soften the appearance of wrinkles, according to the UMMC.
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