Within the fungus family, you find microorganisms classified as yeasts. One of them, Candida albicans, causes infections in the mouth, throat and vagina. When the yeast attacks your mouth and throat area, the condition is known as "thrush." The vaginal infection is commonly called a "yeast infection." According to one health organization, vitamin E may help to prevent vaginal yeast infections. Check with your doctor before supplementing vitamin E for any reason.
Strong Immune System
Yeast is always present in the vagina. It becomes a problem when your immune system gets thrown off balance by diet, an illness or a drug. The event may trigger a rapid yeast proliferation that causes an infection. Thus, the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, suggests practices that keep your immunity strong to prevent yeast infections. Among its recommendations, the UMMC advises you to take 200 to 400 IU of vitamin E daily along with vitamin C and selenium.
About Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a group of eight antioxidants, substances that neutralize free radicals. Those are molecules that form as a byproduct of digestion and after exposure to toxins. Free radicals damage cells and can cause disease. One vitamin E antioxidant in particular, alpha-tocopherol, seems to have the greatest success at stopping the damaging molecules. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, evidence also exists that vitamin E strengthens the immune system, especially as you grow older. This power against disease probably makes this vitamin a potent ally against yeast infections.
Why Vitamin C and Selenium
The UMMC recommends that you take vitamin C and selenium in addition to vitamin E to prevent yeast infections. Like E, vitamin C and the mineral selenium have antioxidant properties. As a result of neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E loses its antioxidant power. But when the weakened vitamin interacts with vitamin C and selenium, it regains its capacity to stop harmful molecules. Therefore, vitamin E's benefits are longer-lasting when you combine it with other antioxidants.
Natural Vitamin E Sources
Unless your doctor recommends supplementation, you can create daily menus that provide vitamin E naturally. Oily foods tend to have more of this nutrient, which is fat-soluble, than moisture-filled produce. Yet, you find vitamin E in several different products. Almonds and hazelnuts are high in the substance. Sunflower and safflower oil are also good sources of the nutrient. You also get vitamin E from olive oil, avocados, spinach and carrots.
