Good health involves regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E is essential for proper bodily function and good health. It serves many purposes and works with other nutrients to promote wellness. Although it can be found in foods, sometimes a supplement is necessary. Talk with your doctor before taking a vitamin E supplement, as it can interact with other medications, or any other supplements.
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin is one of the antioxidant vitamins. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes antioxidants as compounds that destroy free radicals, which harm healthy cells and damage DNA. Free radicals may be associated with aging and the development of disease; antioxidants can help protect cells against these substances. This vitamin also aids in red-blood-cell formation and helps the body efficiently use vitamin K. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means it can be stored in the body. Dietary sources include wheat germ, eggs, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, avocado and yams.
Cancer Prevention
The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements explains that vitamin E not only helps protect cells against free radical damage that could lead to cancer, but may also prevent the formation of carcinogenic compounds formed in the stomach from nitrates in certain foods. This vitamin also helps boost the immune system, which can help fight cancer. Research study results have varied, the Office of Dietary Supplements reports: Some found that vitamin E helps lower the incidence of breast and prostate cancers where others found no correlation. More research is needed as of 2011 before the vitamin can be recommended specifically to combat cancer, but its beneficial effects on the immune system and its antioxidant properties make it essential for health nonetheless.
Eye Health
Vitamin E may work in conjunction with other vitamins like zinc, beta-carotene and vitamin C to help prevent macular degeneration, a main cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 55 in the United States, according to the University of Maryland. This vitamin also helps with vision for those suffering from uveitis, an inflammation in the layer of your eye called the uvea. If you have eye problems, talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of vitamin E.
Considerations
Vitamin E may be beneficial for many other conditions, including cardiovascular problems, skin disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. The Office of Dietary Supplements adds that it might also help promote cognitive function, but more research needs to be done on this topic as of 2011. Vitamin E may interact with numerous kinds of medications, including aspirin, beta-blockers, cholesterol medication and blood-thinning medications. Before you take vitamin E supplements, talk with your doctor about the medications you are taking and whether they may interact with the vitamin.
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