Vitamin E is an oily, fat-soluble substance. In fact, some of the foods that provide good fats and oils -- almonds, sunflower seeds and olive oil -- are sources of this nutrient. Unless your doctor determines a need and recommends supplementation, you shouldn't take vitamin E in excess of what you get in your diet. The supplement is beneficial to help you to overcome certain conditions, but adverse side effects are also possible.
Skin Health
In combination with vitamin C, vitamin E can reduce severe sensitivity to the sun, a medical condition known as photodermatitis. If you suffer from this problem, you experience an allergic reaction when you expose yourself to ultraviolet sunrays, the part of sunlight that causes sunburn.
Female Health
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in a study on the effects of vitamin E, supplementation helped women to avoid anxiety, depression and food cravings associated with an imminent menstrual cycle. The capsules also eased menstrual cramps.
Possible Benefits
At times, research on the benefits of vitamin E has been inconclusive. Some studies show that supplementation may prevent heart disease, for instance, but they are contradicted by clinical trials revealing the nutrient has no such effect. Likewise, cancer researchers have found that vitamin E has the potential to both prevent and not prevent cancer.
Bleeding Risk
Hemorrhaging is linked to vitamin E supplementation when you take it in doses higher than generally recommended and for a prolonged period. Adults require 15 mg of vitamin E daily. In a study, male smokers who took 50 mg of vitamin E daily for six years increased their risk for hemorrhagic stroke, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Drug Interactions
Taking vitamin E with blood thinners, medications that prevent blood clots, may induce bleeding. Vitamin E supplements also have the potential to block the production of good cholesterol among patients who also take niacin and the drug simvastatin to control high cholesterol. A healthy supply of good cholesterol -- HDL -- is necessary to protect your heart. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that vitamin E can inhibit the body's absorption of desipramine, an antidepressant, and of chlorpromazine, a psychiatric drug that controls psychotic disorders. The supplement can have the same adverse effect on propranolol, a hypertension drug.
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