The most abundant mineral in your body, calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It also allows your muscles to move and your brain to communicate with the rest of your body. Vitamin D is equally vital, preventing cell damage and preserving good cholesterol. No scientific evidence shows that calcium depletes vitamin E. But they are available as supplements in case of a deficiency. Supplement them if your doctor establishes the need.
Calcium Sources
Calcium does not interact with vitamin E, but it interferes with the absorption of certain drugs, including the osteoporosis medicine alendronate. You may be able to minimize the adverse effect if you get the mineral from foods instead of supplements. Dairy products, tofu and rhubarb are rich calcium sources. Pinto and red beans, and kale and broccoli also offer the nutrient in smaller amounts. If your doctor prescribes calcium, do not replace the supplement with foods without talking to her.
Vitamin E Sources
High sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower and safflower oils. Spinach, peanuts and avocado also provide the nutrient. Like calcium, vitamin E can inhibit the absorption of medicines, including antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs. You may be able to prevent the interaction if you get your vitamin E from your meals. If your doctor recommends the nutrient in supplement form, do not replace it with food without her advice.
What Depletes Vitamin E
Malnourishment, not calcium, causes a vitamin E deficiency. Genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, also prevent you from absorbing vitamin E. In addition, vitamin E is fat-soluble. If your body's capacity for assimilating fat is impaired, it cannot absorb vitamin E either.
Vitamin E Intake
To help prevent depleted stocks of vitamin E, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that children get 4 mg to 11 mg of vitamin E daily from birth to 13 years of age. The younger the child is, the less nutrient she needs. On her 14th birthday, vitamin E intake should rise to 15 mg every day and stay at that level through the rest of that person's life.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Calcium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; Nov. 30, 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin E; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; Jan. 19, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions with: Vitamin E; Ernest B. Hawkins, M.S., B.S.Pharm, R.Ph., et al.; Nov. 9, 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Possible Interactions with: Calcium; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., June 25, 2007
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