What Is The Function Of Vitamin E?

Vitamin E belongs to a group of vitamins called fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin E performs various functions for your body and can be stored in fatty tissue. If your body has a vitamin E deficiency, you may experience symptoms such as impaired balance and vision problems. You can get vitamin E from food such as wheat germ and spinach.

Red Blood Cell Formation

Vitamin E plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, but it performs this function in tandem with B vitamins. The recommended daily dose of vitamin E for adults is about 15 mg and less than 11 mg for children below the age of 9. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 should take about 7 mg daily, and those less than a year old should take less than 6 mg of vitamin E daily, according to MedlinePlus.

Absorption of Vitamin K

Vitamin E helps your body absorb vitamin K. Your body uses vitamin K to help your blood clot. Foods such as green leafy vegetables and soybeans contain both vitamin E and vitamin K. An effective method of ensuring you get sufficient amounts of these vitamins is to eat a diet that has a combination of diary products, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains.

Helps Prevent Macular Degeneration

Your body can use vitamin E in conjunction with zinc and vitamins A and C to help prevent macular degeneration, or AMD. In people beyond the age of 55, AMD can cause blindness.

Protects Against Free Radicals and Sun Damage

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Your body uses vitamin E to protect your cells and tissue from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are activated oxygen molecules that harm cells and tissue. Vitamin E can also protect your skin from getting damaged by overexposure to the sun.

Reduces Diabetes Complications

Diabetes can elevate the risk of heart disease and cause other complications. Vitamin E can help lower the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetics, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Vitamin E may reduce the cholesterol levels of Type 2 diabetics. Vitamin E may also help control blood sugar levels as well as prevent complications such as kidney damage in Type 1 diabetics.