Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. That means that it is stored in the body fat and is transported via fats and oils. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been studied in conjunction with many diseases. Vitamin E interferes with the absorption of several medications. It can also interact with blood thinners, and can cause an increase in bleeding. Consult your doctor first if you are considering this supplement.
Vitamin E Uses
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it is used by the body to destroy free radicals, which are harmful chemicals. It also has a hand in the formation of red blood cells and is a partner with vitamin K in the coagulation pathway. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation trial found that a vitamin E supplement had no affect on the number of heart attacks, strokes or sudden deaths in people who were at risk for them. However, the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center cites five observational studies that show that increased vitamin E intake in the diet leads to a 35 percent decrease in likelihood of death from heart disease. Also, studies of vitamin E and cancer prevention have not been promising. More studies need to be conducted into these diseases and the effectiveness of vitamin E.
Vitamin E Interactions, Absorption, and Efficacy
Vitamin E interacts with many medications, so check with your doctor if you are planning to add this supplement to your regimen. The most dangerous medication interaction is with blood thinners. Taking vitamin E with a blood thinner, such as warfarin, will make you more prone to bleeding. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it can affect the efficacy of the "statin" drugs and keep them from elevating your high density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol. These are drugs such as simvastatin, lovastatin and rosuvastatin. Vitamin E interferes with the absorption of the antidepressant desipramine and the beta-blocker propranolol. Vitamin E negatively affects a host of other drugs, including chemotherapy drugs, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, Prozac, Allegra and Prilosec.
Vitamin E Sources
Vitamin E is available in a supplement, but it is also a part of a rich, balanced diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the best source of vitamin E is wheat germ, but many people get it from vegetable oils. Some other sources include liver, eggs, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and yams. Although it is recommended that you get vitamin E from your diet, you could take 1,000 mg of vitamin E as a supplement. The recommended amount of vitamin E from your diet for people older than 18 is 22.5 international units.
Vitamin E Deficiency
It is rare to have a vitamin E deficiency, but it is possible for people who have certain conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, to be unable to absorb fat correctly. This keeps them from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, some symptoms are trouble with balance, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, muscle weakness and damage to the retina in the eye. There are no symptoms of vitamin E deficiency in healthy adults who just do not get enough in their diets.
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