Vitamin E plays an important role throughout your body, such as helping to prevent the breakdown of cells and promoting a healthy immune system. Many foods contain vitamin E, including almonds and sunflower seeds. If you have a risk for low vitamin E intake, your doctor may recommend a daily supplement. As well, if you have a risk for blood clots, your doctor might recommend that you have a specific vitamin E intake to reduce the clotting risks.
Blood Clots
A clot may occur in any blood vessel in your body. If the clot breaks free and travels to your heart or brain, it could result in a stroke or heart attack that could lead to death. If you have a risk for blood clots, your doctor will help you determine lifestyle changes to reduce your risk. She might prescribe medications to thin your blood, greatly reducing your risk of clotting.
Vitamin E
The properties of vitamin E aid in preventing the platelets in your blood from clumping together. This may reduce the likelihood of clotting, helping to lessen the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. In 1999, Dr. David H. Emmert and Dr. Jeffery T. Kirchner from Lancaster General Hospital in Pennsylvania evaluated studies regarding the use of vitamin E. They found that vitamin E supplementation decreased the risk for heart disease and heart attacks.
Dosage
At the time of publication, research has not specified a vitamin E dosage designed to reduce clotting. However, your doctor can evaluate your diet and overall health and help you determine if vitamin E supplements may help you. If you take blood thinners or have a blood disorder, your doctor might not recommend vitamin E supplements, or she may recommend an alternate dosage of blood thinners to reduce your risk of bleeding complications.
Consideration
Do not begin using vitamin E supplements without consulting your doctor. If you have any signs of a blood clot, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, slurred speech or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately since these symptoms could indicate a serious medical condition.
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