Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, acts as an antioxidant, meaning it decreases cell damage from free radicals, harmful substances that damage DNA. Vitamin E also helps red blood cells form, boosts the immune system and helps your body use vitamin K. In large quantities, vitamin E supplementation may cause increased bleeding in people taking blood thinners or people with bleeding disorders. Taking vitamin E regularly was shown to slightly increase the risk of death "from any cause" in a recent study, although a similar study showed no increased risk in women, the Mayo Clinic explains. Vitamin E may benefit some health conditions, but many benefits have not proven true in long-term studies.
Eye Conditions
Vitamin E may have benefits in treating several eye conditions. When given in conjunction with beta-carotene, vitamin C and zinc, vitamin E reduces the risk of developing wet macular degeneration, the more serious type of disease, in people with dry macular degeneration. People with uveitis, an inflammation of the middle part of the eye, the uvea, may benefit from vitamin E and vitamin C, another antioxidant. One small study showed people had clearer vision when taking the vitamins, but other studies don't show a benefit, meaning more study is needed, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Neurotoxicity
People taking cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent, can develop nerve damage, or neurotoxicity. Taking vitamin E may reduce neurotoxicity. However, vitamin E may also decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy agents, so vitamin E should not be taken without permission from your medical practitioner, the Mayo Clinic warns.
Photodermatitis
Photodermatitis, an allergic type reaction to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, may improve if people take vitamin C and vitamin E, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.
Vitamin E Deficiency
One of the few definite benefits of vitamin E supplementation is for people with vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E deficiency can occur in people who have malabsorption issues, such as cystic fibrosis or Crohn's disease. Premature babies and babies taking unfortified formula can also develop vitamin E deficiency.
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