Vitamin E allows your body to function normally. It assists with critical bodily functions including protecting your cells from free radical damage, assisting in the formation of red blood cells and helping your body use vitamin K. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means your body stores it in your fat cells and liver. As suggested by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, healthy individuals ages 14 and over should consume 15 mg -- 22.4 IU -- per day. Common foods high in vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, nuts, olives and vegetable oils.
Antioxidant
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. Vitamins A and C are antioxidants, too. An antioxidant prevents free radicals from damaging your organs and body tissues. Free radicals are believed to promote conditions related to aging and can alter gene expression. Free radicals are continuously made in your body as the result of normal body processes like breathing or from outside sources such as pollution and X-rays.
Cell Membranes
Vitamin E is part of cell membranes, which surround and separate every cell in your body. The cell membrane selectively allows things like blood sugar and carbon dioxide in and out of the cell. Vitamin E helps prevent free radicals from entering inside the cell. Its protective role in your cell membranes assists the immune system and is believed to help prevent some cancers, stroke, Alzheimer's and other diseases.
Prevention of Lou Gehrig's Disease
Scientific evidence has disputed the claims that vitamin E helps prevent heart disease and cancer. However, an examination of information gathered on more than 1 million adults conducted by researchers at Harvard University indicates that vitamin E may play a role in preventing Lou Gehrig's disease -- a fatal neurological condition. Reported in March 2011 by Reuters News Service, the study found individuals who took vitamin E supplements for at least five years were approximately one-third less likely to develop Lou Gehrig's disease.
Deficiency
Without a sufficient amount of vitamin E in your body, you will begin to experience side effects associated with a vitamin E deficiency. Severe deficiencies are uncommon in the United States, however a slight deficiency is not uncommon in our country. Symptoms of a vitamin E deficiency include walking unsteadily, muscle weakness, reduction in muscle mass, impaired vision and abnormal eye movements. Long-term vitamin E deficiency can cause liver and kidney problems. If you suspect you have a vitamin E deficiency, consult with a health care professional.
References
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin E; March 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E; December 2009
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Optimizing Your Diet; November 2006
- Reuters Health Information; Vitamin E Users Show a Lower ALS Risk; March 2011
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Vitamin E; December 2009
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