The term vitamin E actually refers to a group of related fat-soluble compounds with different properties. Of these eight forms, only the form alpha-tocopherol fulfills human nutritional requirements, according to the U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements. Most people get enough vitamin E from their diet; however, certain people may require vitamin E supplements. Ingesting the correct dose of vitamin E is important, because very large doses can cause harmful side effects.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin E increases with age. During infancy, up to 6 months of age, the RDA is 4 mg, which corresponds to 6 international units, or IUs. For adults 14 years or older, the RDA is 15 mg per day, or 22.4 IUs.
Symptoms of Deficiency
Ingesting amounts of vitamin E that are lower than the RDA can lead to a vitamin E deficiency, which can cause several symptoms. Because most people consume enough vitamin E in their normal diet, the most frequent causes of deficiency are disorders that prevent absorption of fat in the digestive system, such as Crohn's disease. A deficiency in vitamin E can disrupt the transmission of signals along neurons, leading to muscle weakness, loss of coordination, difficultly walking and abnormal, uncontrolled eye movements. Left untreated, a vitamin E deficiency can cause loss of muscle mass and problems with the kidneys and liver.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level
Eating food alone rarely causes people to exceed the tolerable upper intake level, or UL; typically, unhealthy doses of vitamin E are only administered through supplements. The UL increases with age, up to 1,000 mg, or 1,500 IUs, per day for men 19 years of age or older.
Overdose Symptoms
Ingesting too much much vitamin E can cause serious side effects. Several studies have found that long-term use of vitamin E supplements increases the risk of hemorrhage. This effect may occur because vitamin E acts as a blood thinner by inhibiting platelet aggregation, a crucial step in the formation of blood clots. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.
Member Comments