What is dangerous excess vitamin E

Vitamin E - a natural substance that a person can be obtained from certain foods and food additives. That is, "vitamin E" - general name for a group of fat-soluble chemical compounds having potent antioxidant properties. In various natural sources has eight chemical forms of vitamin E: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols, and alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-tocotrienols. All of these compounds are different levels of biological activity. Alpha-tocopherol - the only known form of vitamin E, essential for maintenance of normal human life. Therefore, in most cases, talking about vitamin E, we mean it is alpha-tocopherol.

Concentration of alpha-tocopherol in blood depends on the liver, which is absorbed from the small intestine different forms of vitamin E is released to the body. Then the liver from all forms of Vitamin selectively emits only alpha-tocopherol. For this purpose, a special alpha-tocopherol transfer protein. All other forms of vitamin E liver processes and removes from the body. As a result, normally the content of alpha-tocopherol in human blood is much higher than the other seven forms of vitamin E, and their effect on the body is of less interest from the point of view of scientists.

The studies failed to detect any adverse side effects associated with an excess of vitamin E, enters the body with food. However, high doses of dietary supplements Food additives - basic classification   alpha-tocopherol caused bleeding and clotting violated in experimental animals, and experts believe that excessive consumption of vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation.

The results of two clinical trials suggest that high doses of alpha-tocopherol to increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Tolerable upper intake level of vitamin E

It is believed that the excess of the upper allowable level of consumption (VDUP) of vitamin E increases the risk of bleeding in patients. VDUP shown in the table apply to all forms of alpha-tocopherol, which are part of dietary supplements, including eight stereoisomers in synthetic forms of vitamin E doses up to 1000 mg of vitamin E per day for healthy adults are considered safe, but the scientific evidence to support this It is very limited, so it is better to stick to the RDA.

Interactions with drugs

Supplements containing vitamin E can be reacted with drugs; some of which are discussed below. People who regularly take any drugs before taking vitamin E should consult with your doctor.

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents

As already discussed, vitamin E is able to inhibit platelet aggregation and cause a bleeding disorder. As a result, people who are simultaneously taking vitamin E and anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents (eg, warfarin) increases the risk of bleeding. The risk is especially great if the patient consumes too little vitamin C. The exact amount of vitamin E is required to cause such interaction with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, is unknown, but is likely to exceed the dose of 400 IU per day.

• Simvastatin and niacin

Some people take vitamin E along with other antioxidants Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits Such as vitamin C, selenium and beta-carotene. This combination of antioxidant substances slows increasing high density lipoprotein levels in people taking simvastatin and niacin.

• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Oncologists do not usually recommend taking supplements of antioxidants in patients who undergo chemotherapy Chemotherapy - it always falls the hair?   radiotherapy, or Radiotherapy in cancer treatment: irradiation aid . Antioxidants can reduce the effectiveness of these therapies, since they inhibit oxidative damage to cells, not only in healthy cells but also in cells forming cancerous tumor. While this is not supported by sufficient scientific evidence; experts continue to study the effect of vitamin E and other antioxidants on the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Vitamin E and Healthy Eating

Experts agree that most of the vitamin E should be ingested from food. Foods rich in vitamin E, contain many other nutrients, combined with vitamin E which is better absorbed. Dietary supplements should be taken to people with certain medical conditions that violate the absorption of nutrients, as well as, in some cases, pregnant and lactating women.

The main functions of the body

Vitamin E - fat-soluble vitamin, it dissolves and remains in the fatty tissue of the body, thereby reducing the need for consuming large amounts of the vitamin. Signs of deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins are not immediate, so it is difficult to diagnose. Fat-soluble vitamins should not get carried away, because the toxic reactions may cause smaller doses of RDA (recommended value of vitamin) of fat-soluble than water-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin E is present in many foods, especially some of them are rich in fats and oils. Vitamin E prevents the formation of blood clots and promotes their resorption. It also improves fertility reduces and prevents hot flushes in menopausal. Vitamin E is also used in cosmetics to preserve youthful skin it promotes healing and reduces the risk of skin scarring. Moreover, tocopherol is useful in the treatment of eczema Eczema - is difficult to treat , Skin ulcers, Herpes Herpes - a virus creeping   and depriving. Vitamin E is important for red blood cells, it improves cell respiration and enhances endurance.

Tocopherol - the main antioxidant nutrient Antioxidants: the truth about the notorious benefits . Also vitamin E, most of the known antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene. Antioxidants help the body deal with unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals - a byproduct of the conversion of food into energy, which accumulate over time in the body. They increase the vulnerability of the cells (so-called oxidative stress) due to the aging process and a general decline in the central nervous system and immune system. In addition, free radicals contribute to the development of various pathological conditions such as cancer, heart disease Heart disease: prevention and prevention Arthritis, and the like. Furthermore, antioxidants help prevent the conversion of nitrates contained in tobacco smoke, bacon, and some vegetables, carcinogens.

Various forms of the name or vitamin E (tocopherol)

• Tocopherols
• Tocotrienols
• Antioxidants
• d-alpha-tocopherol

The value of vitamin E (tocopherol)

• It is the main nutrient-antioxidant
• It slows down the aging process due to oxidation
• Enriches the blood with oxygen, which reduces fatigue
• Improves cell nutrition
• It strengthens the walls of blood vessels
• It protects red blood cells from harmful toxins
• It prevents blood clots and promotes their resorption
• It strengthens the heart muscle

Sources of vitamin E (tocopherol)

• Nuts
• Oils
• Spinach
• Sunflower oil and sunflower seeds
• Whole grains

Vitamin A deficiency E (tocopherol) may result in:

• Rupture of red blood cells
• Loss of reproductive capacity
• Sexual apathy
• Abnormal fat deposits on muscle
• Degenerative changes of the heart and other muscles
• Dryness of the skin