Vitamin E (Tocopherols)

Vitamin E is a group of antioxidant compounds. They are fat-soluble, meaning they need lipids to absorb and dissolve. There are two natural forms known as tocopherols and tocotrienols, the latter being much less known or researched.

The chemical forms of vitamin E include alpha, beta, gamma, and delta (-tocopherol and -tocotrienol). Alpha-tocopherol is the only form that meets the nutritional requirements of the human body.

Sources of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in a number of healthy, delicious foods. Good food sources of vitamin E include:

• Vegetable oils, like sunflower, safflower, and corn oil
• Avocados
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds
• Wheat germ
• Nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts
• Peanut butter
• Broccoli
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Tomato

Vitamin E Nutrition Information

As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects the body from free radical damage and thus may help prevent cancer, and may also help prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease by averting the harmful oxidation caused by free radicals. It also plays an essential role in maintaining the structure and function of the skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle systems. It’s also been found to aid in the formation of red blood cells in addition to regulating the body’s use of iron, selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. Some studies also indicate that vitamin E may strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency is rare and symptoms of a deficiency have yet to be found in otherwise healthy individuals who lack vitamin E in their diet. While rare, vitamin E deficiency is possible in people with:

• Fat-malabsorption disorders that hinder the body’s ability to break down fat
• Premature or low birth weight infants
• Genetic abnormalities in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein, like Ataxia and Vitamin E deficiency (AVED)
• Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis
• An inability to secrete bile

Symptoms of a deficiency in these individuals may include:

• Peripheral neuropathy, or numbness in the hands and feet
• Ataxia, or the loss of full control of bodily movement
• Skeletal myopathy
• Retinopathy
• Weakened immune system
• Greasy stools
• Chronic diarrhea

Medical Uses of Vitamin E

Vitamin E may play a role in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases.

Coronary heart disease: Several studies show that vitamin E prevents the harmful oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which leads to hardening of the arteries. Vitamin E may also ward off the blood clots that cause heart attacks. Research also points to a correlation between lower rates of heart disease and high intakes of vitamin E.

Cancer: Vitamin E, like other antioxidants, has been found to protect cells from the cancer-causing damage of free radicals. This nutrient may also prevent the formation of other cancer-causing substances known as nitrosamines in the body and enhance the immune system’s defenses. Further research is needed to determine Vitamin E’s role in cancer prevention.

Eye conditions: Research suggests that damage from oxidation plays a part in many eye disorders, such as macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. This is why Vitamin E and other antioxidative nutrients may be an option in preventing and treating these conditions. However, further studies are needed.

Cognitive function: It’s hypothesized that prolonged exposure to free radicals lead to degenerative diseases of the brain, like Alzheimer’s. Thus, antioxidants like vitamin E may be an option in preventing or protecting against these conditions. However, further research is needed to support these claims.

Recommended Daily Intake

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is as follows:

• Children:
  • 1 – 3 years — 6 mg per day (9 IU).
  • 4 – 8 years — 7 mg per day (10.5 IU).
  • 9 – 13 years — 11 mg per day (16.5 IU).
• Men and women 14 years or older — 15 mg per day (22.5 IU).
• Women who are pregnant — 15 mg per day (22.5 IU).
• Women who are breastfeeding — 19 mg per day (28.5 IU).

Vitamin E Toxicity

The only known side effect of too much vitamin E is an anticoagulant effect, where a very high dose of vitamin E can reduce the blood’s ability to clot. This is primarily a risk factor for people currently taking prescription blood thinning medications. Very high doses of vitamin E may also cause the body to become deficient in vitamin K.