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Vitamin E is a very important and interesting vitamin. Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant activities. In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in immune function, regulation of gene expression and other metabolic processes.
It is important that you inform yourself about vitamin E before self administering as vitamin E is an active vitamin that may interfere with other medications.
Vitamin E deficiencies can be just as harmful to the body as taking an excessive amount. There is a risk of toxicity if vitamin E is taken without the proper precautions and medical support. This article is not a comprehensive account of the risks and benefits of vitamin E, but an introduction to your own research.
Vitamin E and Health
Many claims have been made about vitamin E’s potential to promote health and prevent and treat disease. The mechanisms by which vitamin E might provide this protection include its function as an antioxidant and its roles in anti-inflammatory processes, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and immune enhancement.
A primary barrier to characterizing the roles of vitamin E in health is the lack of validated biomarkers for vitamin E intake and status to help relate intakes to valid predictors of clinical outcomes.
Vitamin E is famous for its regenerative properties on skin, nails and hair. The antioxidants in vitamin E actually neutralise the free radicals that cause skin damage. We are not just talking about looking better. Remember that you skin is your bodies largest organ, it regulates your temperature, senses your environment, detoxifies the body, absorbs nutrients through the skin and holds our whole body together. Our skin is a very important part of our lives.
Interactions with Medications
Vitamin E supplements have the potential to interact with several types of medications. A few examples are provided below. People taking these and other medications on a regular basis should discuss their vitamin E intakes with their healthcare providers.
Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications – Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation and antagonize vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. As a result, taking large doses with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as warfarin, can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in conjunction with low vitamin K intake. The amounts of supplemental vitamin E needed to produce clinically significant effects are unknown but probably exceed 400 IU/day.
Like vitamin C, vitamin E plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is important in the formation of red blood cells and the use of Vitamin K. Many women also use it to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and mothers use it to help heal minor wounds without scarring, as it is valued for its ability to soothe and heal broken or stressed skin tissue.
Vitamin E Rich Food
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts and nut oils almonds and hazel nuts
- High value leafy greens like spinach, collard and dandelions.
You can find a more detailed breakdown of Vitamin E here – The Vitamin E Fact Sheet from the National Institute of Health, US – and here – Through the Nutrient Reference Values from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia.
I am now heading dowstairs to make these FUDGY AVOCADO BROWNIES – oh my they look amazing!