The Side Effects Of taking In The Wrong Amount Of Vitamin E

Dr. Samuel Yeboah
Dr. Samuel Yeboah
November 08, 2022

Vitamin E is an essential component for eyesight, reproduction, and the health of your blood, brain, and skin.

Vitamin E has antioxidant effects as well. Antioxidants are compounds that may protect your cells from the impacts of free radicals, which are molecules produced by your body when it digests food or is exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. Free radicals may play a role in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other disorders. Keep in mind that if you take vitamin E for its antioxidant characteristics, the supplement may not provide the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food.

Recommended Amounts

The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for vitamin E for males and females 14 years and older is 15 mg daily (or 22 international units, IU), including pregnant women. Lactating women require somewhat more, at 19 mg (28 IU) each day.

Food Sources

Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. 
  • Wheat germ oil
  • Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Almonds
  • Peanuts, peanut butter
  • Beet greens, collard greens, spinach
  • Pumpkin
  • Red bell pepper
  • Asparagus
  • Mango
  • Avocado
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Health Advantages
Vitamin E is essential for brain, eye, immune system, and heart function. The substance may help to prevent heart disease and eye issues, improve cognitive function, and even protect against some cancers. However, the research to back up these assertions is mixed.
Coronary Heart Disease Prevention
It is yet to be determined whether vitamin E reduces coronary heart disease (CVD) in the general population. Much of the existing data is conflicting, with some studies indicating that vitamin E administration is beneficial in high-risk patients while others show that vitamin E does not affect cardiovascular risk factors at all.

Surprisingly, a 2019 study found that vitamin E supplementation has a deleterious effect on coronary artery disease (CAD). Researchers discovered that increased vitamin E levels may actually raise the risk of coronary artery disease. 4

More research is needed to evaluate the impact of vitamin E on cardiovascular risk factors at this time. Before taking vitamin E to boost heart health, consult with your cardiologist.

Eye Disorders Could Be Prevented or Treated
The most common age-related eye illnesses are macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, both of which are associated with oxidative stress and free radical damage. Because of its antioxidant activity, vitamin E is an excellent choice for the prevention and treatment of both AMD and cataracts.

A study looked into the effects of antioxidant micronutrients on eye health and macular degeneration. It was discovered that vitamin E aids in the reduction of cellular oxidative stress in the retina or macular part of the eye. Additional research has discovered a link between greater dietary vitamin E and a slower rate of progression of AMD.

Could Lower the Risk of Certain Cancers
Another contentious benefit of vitamin E is its anti-cancer properties. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that prevents and fights free radical oxidation and cell damage, which may contribute to the development of cancer and other health problems.

The research on whether vitamin E prevents or promotes cancer is still in its early stages and is dependent on the type of vitamin E and its bioavailability. There is some evidence that reduced vitamin E intake is linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Other reviews have examined the type of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) on cancer risk and have found that a gamma-tocopherol-rich mixture of vitamin E tocopherols is a promising anti-cancer agent and should be studied further.

It has the potential to prevent or postpone cognitive decline.
Cognitive health is the ability to think, learn, and remember things.
12 A well-balanced, nutritious diet is essential for maintaining good cognitive health and preventing age-related cognitive decline, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

It has been proposed that eating foods high in antioxidant vitamins will delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unclear whether supplementing with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E is solely advantageous for persons who are deficient in antioxidant vitamins.

However, one study did see a slight decline in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease when supplementing with vitamin E.
Another study suggested that vitamin E administration in Alzheimer's disease patients could protect against oxidative damage, minimize neuronal damage, and slow the progression of the disease. Researchers discovered that supplementing with 2000 IUs of vitamin E every day for two years slowed the advancement of the disease.

Caution
A healthy diet provides enough vitamin E for the majority of people. Some study suggests that if you have mild to severe Alzheimer's disease, vitamin E therapy may help halt disease development.

However, taking vitamin E orally may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Other major hazards can be posed by using the supplement, especially at large doses and if you have other health concerns or have had a heart attack or stroke.


Did You Know?
Scientists have argued whether vitamin E supplements are hazardous and may even raise the risk of mortality according to sporadic reports of unfavorable health effects.
Dr. Samuel Yeboah