Vitamin E is an antioxidant that shields body tissue from damage caused by harmful substances known as free radicals. Free radicals are believed to play a role in certain conditions related to aging. Although evidence is not definitive, vitamin E may help prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke and other health problems. Although vitamin E possesses antioxidant properties, its health effects on humans are uncertain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blood-thinning properties in vitamin E could affect blood clotting in patients who take blood-thinning medications.
Considerations
Increased vitamin E consumption is associated with decreased risk of heart attack or death from heart disease in both men and women. Vitamin E also may slow progression of coronary artery disease. Taking too much vitamin E on a regular basis is not recommended as high doses may slightly increase mortality risk, though further study is needed.
Effects
Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation or the clumping together of platelets in the blood and stimulate vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. The primary function of platelets is to prevent bleeding. Vitamin E plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body properly use vitamin K. Vitamin K can reverse the effects of blood-thinning medications and treat bleeding caused by medications like antibiotics, aspirin and other salicylates.
Precautions
High doses of vitamin E do not appear to to cause abnormalities in blood clotting in normal adults. However, it can exacerbate an existing blood coagulation or blood clot defect, especially in combination with low vitamin K intake. People who take blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel or aspirin, should take high vitamin E dosages only under the care of a doctor. Discontinuing vitamin E supplementation is sometimes advised four to five weeks before elective surgery to lower the risk of hemorrhage.
Dosing
Vitamin E supplementation is generally considered safe at doses up to the recommended tolerable upper intake level. Due to the possible effects of vitamin E on blood clotting, the safe upper intake level for vitamin E is set at 1,000 mg daily. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes vitamin E-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and green, leafy vegetables like spinach is preferable to taking supplements, says MedlinePlus.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Vitamin E; April 1, 2011
- University of Iowa: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) in Health and Disease
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Vitamin E; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin E; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; Jan. 19, 2011
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Platelets; Feb. 18, 2011
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