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Is Vitamin E Harmful or Beneficial?

Aug 3, 2011 | By Tina Andrews
Is Vitamin E Harmful or Beneficial?
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Your body requires vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, to support the formation of new cells and protect your tissues from the damaging effects of certain chemicals and radiation. A healthful, well balanced diet typically supplies you with an adequate amount of vitamin E to support these important functions. Although dietary vitamin E is beneficial for maintaining your good health, excess consumption of vitamin E supplements may be potentially harmful.

Antioxidant Benefits

Certain metabolic reactions and exposure to tobacco smoke, pollutants, toxins and radiation prompt the generation of chemicals called free radicals, which can damage the proteins, fats and genetic material in your cells. To prevent potential tissue damage, your body neutralizes free radicals with another group of chemicals called antioxidants. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant; its role in free radical neutralization is one of the primary beneficial effects of this micronutrient. With the help of vitamin C, your body restores "used" vitamin E to its original chemical state, prolonging its antioxidant activity in your body.

Blood Vessel Health

Your arteries and veins consist of living cells. Cells that line your blood vessels provide a smooth surface to prevent inadvertent clot formation. Specialized muscle cells in your arterial walls help regulate blood pressure and blood flow to your organs. Vitamin E supports your vascular health by preventing substances from sticking to blood vessel lining cells and promoting relaxation of your arterial walls. Although the recommended daily allowance of 15 mg of alpha-tocopherol is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels, there is no definitive evidence that higher doses help prevent cardiovascular disease. In a June 2008 article published in the "Journal of Nutrition," Drs. Francesco Violi and Roberto Cangemi suggest that procedural problems among studies examining the potential role of vitamin E for cardiovascular disease prevention may explain the failure to detect benefit.

Robust Immune Function

Healthy immune system function is an important benefit of adequate levels of dietary vitamin E. Your immune system consists of a variety of cells located throughout your body. Immune cells coordinate their activities by communicating via chemical signals, a function supported by vitamin E.

Question of Potential Harm

In a November 2002 article published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," Dr. David Waters and colleagues report that supplemental vitamin C and E increased the risk of death among a group of postmenopausal women, compared to study participants not taking the supplements. Howard D. Sesso, Sc.D., M.P.H., and colleagues report a similar association between supplemental vitamin E and an increased risk of death among older men in a November 2008 article published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Although the association between antioxidant supplements, including vitamin E, and an increased risk of death remains an area of active debate and research, medical professionals generally agree that vitamin E from your diet poses no known risk and confers significant health benefits. To minimize your risk of adverse effects, talk with your doctor before taking vitamin E or any other dietary supplement.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Aug 3, 2011

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