Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a family of fat-soluble vitamins that act as antioxidants by protecting other cells from damage from harmful substances. Some members of this family are alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherol. These vitamins can be found in oils, seeds, nuts and small amounts in green leafy vegetables. For example, Vitamin E can be found in spinach, broccoli, hazelnuts, peanuts, olive oil and mangoes.

 What does Vitamin E do? 

Vitamin E protects body tissue from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals damage cells which can cause them to function poorly or die. Cancer is believed to be a result of DNA damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, Vitamin E may help prevent prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin E helps the circulatory system and proper blood clotting. If blood coagulates too easily, clots can form that may lead to heart attacks. However, if blood doesn’t clot enough, nosebleeds, hemorrhages, and heavy periods in women may occur. Vitamin E allows reactive molecules to strike cells without causing damage. This is evident in the skin because vitamin E directly protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

 What is Vitamin E deficiency and overdose?

Neither Vitamin E deficiency nor overdose is a common occurrence. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and therefore deficiency mostly occurs in those who cannot metabolism fat.  It is recommended that 10mg of vitamin E is consumed in a day. This is equivalent to about 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Vitamin E deficiency results in nerve damage and causes the paralysis of eye muscles, lack of reflexes, and poor muscle coordination. An overdose occurs when over 1000mg is consumed in a day. That is about 500 tablespoons of olive oil. As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E can accumulate in the body, making it very dangerous. An overdose can cause headaches, fatigue, gas and overall weakness.

Interesting facts about Vitamin E 

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Dr. Herbert Evans and Katherine Bishop was researching about reproduction in rats. Vitamin E supplements do not decrease the risk of heart disease or help prevent prostate cancer.