Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. According to the University of Maryland, antioxidants help to protect the body from free radicals, which can damage cells and have been linked to health conditions such as cancer. Vitamin E is also important for the formation of red blood cells. Foods rich in vitamin E include dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs and sunflower seeds. Vitamin E may be helpful for a number of health conditions, but it can have possible side effects or interactions with medications, so a health care professional should always be consulted before taking a supplement.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's is a common form of dementia that causes the loss of social and intellectual abilities. In Alzheimer's disease, healthy brain tissue deteriorates, leading to continuing decline in mental abilities and memory. Typical symptoms of Alzheimer's include memory loss, difficulty in performing familiar tasks, disorientation and difficulty finding the right word. In a study published in a 1997 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine," researchers studied the effect of vitamin E on patients with Alzheimer's. In the background to their study, the team commented that there was some evidence that vitamins can increase levels of hormones in the brain called catecholamines and protect against free radical damage, helping to reduce the damage to brain tissue. The team found that 2000 IU of vitamin E daily for two years slowed the progression of the disease. A doctor should always be consulted before an Alzheimer's patient is given a vitamin E supplement.
Bladder Cancer
According to MedlinePlus, bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in America and occurs in the lining of the bladder. Symptoms include a frequent need to urinate, pain when you urinate and blood in the urine. In a study published in a 2002 issue of the "American Journal of Epidemiology," researchers studied the effect of vitamin E on patients with bladder cancer. In the background to their study, the team commented that population studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of vitamin E may reduce the risk of bladder cancer. The researchers found that 200 IU of vitamin E daily for 10 years reduced the risk of dying from bladder cancer. Patients with bladder cancer should consult a doctor before taking a vitamin E supplement.
Bleeding
According to the University of Maryland, vitamin E can increase the likelihood of bleeding. Patients on blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin need to be particularly cautious and should consult a doctor before taking any vitamin E supplements.
References
- University of Maryland: Vitamin E
- Mayo Clinic: Alzheimer's Disease
- "New England Journal of Medicine": A Controlled Trial of Selegiline, Alpha-Tocopherol or Both as Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study; M. Sano et al.; 1997
- MedlinePlus: Bladder Cancer
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplement Use and Bladder Cancer Mortality in a Large Cohort of U.S. Men and Women: E.J. Jacobs et al.; 2002
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