Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, and fruits. It is also available in supplement form, with most supplements providing only alpha-tocopherol, which is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements. Here are some of the benefits, side effects, and other details about vitamin E:
Benefits:
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Protects cells from oxidative stress: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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Supports immune function: Vitamin E is needed for proper immune function and cellular signaling.
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May prevent certain diseases: Some studies suggest that taking vitamin E supplements may benefit certain populations, including people with diabetic nephropathy, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and Alzheimers disease.
Side effects:
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Nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision, and headache may rarely occur if vitamin E is taken at high doses (400 units or more per day) or for a long period of time.
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High doses of vitamin E (400 units or more per day) may increase the chance of rare but very serious side effects.
Ingredients or materials:
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Vitamin E that occurs naturally in foods (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is different from man-made vitamin E that is in supplements (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) .
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Supplements of vitamin E typically provide only alpha-tocopherol, although "mixed" products containing other tocopherols are also available.
In conclusion, vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body, and it has many benefits, including protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting immune function. However, high doses of vitamin E may cause side effects, and supplements may not offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food.
