Vitamin E Information
This vitamin E information is provided as a reference or guideline for your good health. Please consult your doctor before changing the amount of vitamin E you currently consume.
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that requires bile and other secretions from the pancreas. It is secreted from the intestines to the lymph and eventually stored in fat tissues. This powerful antioxidant prevents free radical damage and helps enzymatic activity. Recent studies show that it can help fight heart disease - a study published in the 3/23/1996 issue of the Lancet showed that low levels of Vitamin E was predictive of heart attack 62% of the time. Other health benefits of Vitamin E include immune system support, prevention of liver spots, protection of the cells and membranes and may help prevent cataracts.
Vitamin E also helps the body to use vitamin A efficiently a well as protect it and fat cells from free radicals.
Foods High In Vitamin E
Foods with Vitamin E include wheat germ oil (this is loaded with it!) nuts, soybeans, apples, turnips, sweet potato, broccoli and leafy greens.
Dosage
The RDA for vitamin E for adults is 10 MG a day. Since this vitamin is stored in the fatty tissues, a deficiency is rare. Individuals on extremely low fat diets or who have a condition which causes fat malabsorbtion may have a deficiency and should see their physician to determine if extra supplementation is right for them.
Side Effects
I could find no mention of vitamin E side effects outside of laboratory animals. Since this vitamin is fat soluble it is possible that taking too much over time may have adverse effects so it is probably wise to stick to the RDA.
Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency
There is little information on vitamin E deficiency as it is found in so many foods and can be stored in the body.
Other Considerations
Vitamin E needs dietary fat to be absorbed into the body.
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