Vitamin E is a supplement to prevent and treat vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin with beneficial antioxidant effect to prevent cell damage due to exposure to free radicals.
Naturally, vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Vitamin E supplements are needed when a person can't get enough vitamin E naturally.
Vitamin E deficiency can occur in people who suffer from certain conditions, such as: abetalipoproteinemia or cystic fibrosis .
Vitamin E trademark: Blackmores Natural E 250 IU, Halowell E 200, Lipesco-E, Nature`s Health Vitamin E, Original-E, Sea-Quill Vitamin E 400 IU, Ulti Pride Vitamin E 400 IU
What is Vitamin E
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Prevent and overcome vitamin E deficiency and as a supplement in conditions of cystic fibrosis |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Vitamin E for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: It is not known whether vitamin E can harm the fetus. However, if taken in moderate doses, it is generally safe. Consult about the use of vitamin E supplements if you are pregnant. Vitamin E supplements can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this supplement without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Warning Before Taking Vitamin E
There are several things you should pay attention to before taking vitamin E supplements, including:
- Do not take vitamin E supplements if you are allergic to this drug.
- Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin E supplements if you have diabetes, vitamin K deficiency, retinitis pigmentosa, or blood disorders, including anemia, blood clotting disorders, or hemophilia.
- Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin E supplements if you have had liver disease, kidney disease, or stroke.
- Consult your doctor if you plan to take vitamin E with other medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin E if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Consult with your doctor about the use and discontinuation of vitamin E if you are going to undergo certain medical or surgical procedures.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking supplements containing vitamin E.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Vitamin E
The dose and duration of use of vitamin E will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition, type of vitamin E preparation, and the patient's age. Vitamin E supplements are available in the form of d-α-tocopherol or dl-α-tocopheryl acetate. In general, the following are dosages of vitamin E supplements based on their intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming vitamin E deficiency
- Mature: 40–50 mg per day.
- Infants < 1 month old: 10 mg/kg, once a day.
- Child age 1 month up to 18 years old: 2–10 mg/kg body weight per day.
Purpose: Handle abetalipoproteinemia
- Mature: 50–100 mg per day.
- Infants < 1 month old: 100 mg/kg, once a day.
- Children aged 1 month up to 18 years old: 50–100 mg/kg, once daily.
Purpose: As a supplement in handling cystic fibrosis
- Mature: 100–200 mg per day.
- Children aged 1 month to 1 year: 50 mg, once a day.
- Children aged 1–12 years: 100 mg, once a day.
- Children aged 12–18 years: 200 mg, once a day.
Nutritional Adequacy Rate of Vitamin E
The daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for vitamin E varies based on each person's age, gender, and health condition. The following is a general daily RDA of vitamin E:
- 0–5 months: 4 mcg
- 6–11 months: 5 mcg
- Ages 1–3 years: 6 mcg
- Ages 4–6 years: 7 mcg
- Ages 7–9 years: 8 mcg
- Boys ages 10–12: 11 mcg
- Male age 13 years: 15 mcg
- Women ages 10–64 years: 15 mcg
- Women aged 65 years: 20 mcg
- Pregnant women: 19 mcg
- Breastfeeding mothers: 19 mcg
How to Take Vitamin E Correctly
Before taking any supplements, always read the instructions for use listed on the product packaging. If you have doubts or have special health conditions, discuss with your doctor about the dosage, product options, and how to use according to your condition.
Keep in mind that vitamin and mineral supplements are taken to meet the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food alone is not enough.
This supplement should be taken with meals. The absorption of vitamin E by the body will be better if taken with food.
Store vitamin E in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep supplements out of reach of children.
Interaction of Vitamin E with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that can occur when vitamin E supplements are taken with other medications:
- Increased risk of bleeding if taken with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin
- Decreased absorption of vitamin E if taken with cholestyramine, colestipol, or orlistat
- Decreased effectiveness of iron supplements, ketoconazole, or vitamin B3
Side Effects and Dangers of Vitamin E
Vitamin E rarely causes side effects especially when taken in appropriate doses. However, if taken in excess, vitamin E can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or blurred vision.