Vitamin E affects your health in many ways, including protecting your cells from free radicals and keeping your immune system functioning. It also helps keep your blood from clotting in your vessels, which makes it a natural blood thinner. However, it is not intended for use as a substitute for blood-thinning medications, and taking it in high doses while on these medications can increase your risk of bleeding and cause other adverse effects.
Function of Vitamin E
Your body needs vitamin E to ward off invading viruses, bacteria and the free radicals that can increase the rate at which you age. Damage from free radicals can also heighten your risk for developing heart disease and other chronic conditions, and meeting the RDA of vitamin E can help prevent this. Red blood cells need vitamin E to form, and your blood vessels depend on it to help keep them wide and prevent clotting. Without an adequate amount of vitamin E, you may experience muscle weakness, impaired vision or an unsteady gait.
Vitamin E and Blood Thinners
If you get your vitamin E from food, this will not likely pose risks to your health or develop a toxicity. However, if you take high doses of it in supplement form, you may increase your risk of bleeding. This is because vitamin E thins your blood, which inhibits its ability to clot if you become cut or injured. If you take blood thinners or anti-coagulants such as warfarin or aspirin, consuming vitamin E supplements can put you at a particularly high risk for bleeding, and it may even result in more serious problems, including brain hemorrhage. Tell your doctor about any medications you take before consuming vitamin E supplements.
Dosing and Sources
Getting vitamin E from your food will not likely harm your health or increase your risk of bleeding. Adults need 22.5 IU of this vitamin a day to keep their blood and other bodily systems functioning properly. Food sources of vitamin E include yams, asparagus, mayonnaise, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, eggs and spinach. If you choose to consume supplements as well, be advised that the tolerable upper limit of supplemental vitamin E is 1,500 IU a day, according to the Institute of Medicine. Talk to your doctor before exceeding the RDA of this vitamin.
Additional Considerations and Precautions
Never begin consuming new vitamins without first discussing them with a licensed health-care provider. Vitamin E can interact with other medications aside from blood-thinners, such as antidepressants and beta-blockers, as well as other supplements. If you experience any adverse side effects while taking vitamin E or are unable to stop bleeding after incurring any injury, seek medical attention.
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