The Role Vitamin E Plays in Your Body

The Benefits of Vitamin E

Our section “What is Vitamin E Good For” focuses on the importance of this nutrient and where it can be found easily. When can a vitamin deficiency occur, and what should we consider when supplementing with Vitamin E?

The Origin and Easily Absorbed Form of Vitamin E

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922, isolated in 1935, and first synthesized in 1938. Since it was initially identified as a compound essential for the survival of fertilized eggs in rat experiments, it was named tocopherol after the Greek words for “birth” and “carry.”

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in several forms, but alpha-tocopherol is the only form that the human body can utilize. Both natural and synthetic tocopherols are prone to oxidation, so tocopherol acetate is created from them to ensure stability in dietary supplements.

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin E for males and females aged 14 and older, including pregnant women, is 15 mg (or 22 International Units, IU). Breastfeeding mothers require a slightly higher intake of 19 mg (or 28 IU).

Benefits of Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays an important role in the body due to its antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Antioxidant vitamins, including Vitamin E, gained attention in the 1980s when scientists began to understand the role of free radicals in the development of cancer, vision loss, and many other chronic diseases.

Vitamin E Deficiency

Although Vitamin E deficiency is generally rare, it can occur in certain conditions:

• Individuals with disorders affecting fat absorption, including cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, are at increased risk.
• Individuals with certain rare inherited disorders, such as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, are more likely to experience deficiency.
• Inadequate dietary intake can lead to Vitamin E deficiency, such as in malnourished children living in developing countries and individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Research Findings on the Effects of Vitamin E

It has long been known that Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. However, the scientific community has not stopped there, and numerous studies are currently underway to explore further potential effects of Vitamin E.

Let’s take a look at a few, without claiming completeness:

A 2021 study examined the potential effects of daily supplementation with a combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on oxidative stress markers over an 8-week period.

• The Effect of Vitamin E on the Skin

The role of Vitamin E is being investigated in certain skin conditions, such as eczema. However, the research in this area is currently limited, so it is not yet possible to report on therapeutic effects.

• The Effect of Vitamin E on Hormones

The impact of Vitamin E on estrogen levels is under investigation (source).

Side Effects of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is generally safe for most people when taken in doses of 1,000 mg or less daily. The risk of side effects increases with higher doses, and symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, and headache. Taking Vitamin E in doses exceeding 1,000 mg per day is likely unsafe.

Sources of Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be found in various food sources, including:

• Plant oils such as sunflower oil and soybean oil
• Nuts and seeds like almonds
• Vegetables and fruits such as carrots, kale, spinach, and avocado

Animal Sources of Vitamin E

Meat and fish products, liver, and eggs also contain some amount of Vitamin E, but the actual content may vary depending on the animals’ diet.

Vitamin E Capsules and Multivitamin Supplements with Vitamin E

Vitamin E is available in tablet and liquid drop forms, and capsules are also popular among dietary supplements for vitamin supplementation. However, it is important to note that dietary supplements do not substitute a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.

The USA medical Multivitamin for Women and USA medical MULTIVITAMIN for Men products combine Vitamin E with other essential vitamins and minerals for the human body, using the power of natural plants and fruits such as cranberries, hawthorn, grape seed, pomegranate, and blackcurrant extracts.

If you want to try other premium quality supplements, explore our webshop for other dietary supplements!