What is Vitamin E? - Information, Uses & Side effect

Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble antioxidants that play a crucial role in protecting our body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. In this blog post, we'll explore what Vitamin E is, its various uses, and potential side effects.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble antioxidants that are naturally present in various foods, including nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. The eight compounds that make up Vitamin E are divided into two categories: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common form of Vitamin E found in the human body and is known to have the most significant biological activity.

Uses of Vitamin E

1. Protects against oxidative stress: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. It helps prevent the oxidation of fats in our body, which can lead to various health problems.

2. Maintains skin health: Vitamin E is known for its skin-healing properties. It helps reduce the appearance of scars and promotes healthy skin by reducing inflammation and increasing collagen production.

3. Reduces the risk of cancer: Studies suggest that Vitamin E may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung, prostate, and breast cancer. It's believed that the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E help protect our cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals.

4. Improves cognitive function: Vitamin E is believed to play a role in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Studies suggest that Vitamin E supplementation may improve memory and overall cognitive performance.

5. Supports heart health: Vitamin E may help prevent the development of heart disease by reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Side effects of Vitamin E

While Vitamin E is generally safe and well-tolerated, excessive intake can lead to potential side effects, including:

1. Bleeding: High doses of Vitamin E can interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.

2. Nausea and diarrhea: Some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, when taking high doses of Vitamin E.

3. Headaches: Vitamin E supplementation may cause headaches in some individuals.

4. Fatigue: In rare cases, high doses of Vitamin E may lead to fatigue and weakness.

Conclusion

Vitamin E is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. It's essential to consume enough Vitamin E-rich foods in our diet or consider taking supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional. While Vitamin E is generally safe and well-tolerated, excessive intake can lead to potential side effects, so it's crucial to follow the recommended daily intake.

Products that contains Vitamin E - 
Kamasutra Aloe & Vitamin E Personal Lubricant
Livon Serum Anti-frizz Serum 
Mama earth Vitamin C Facewash

Reference

1. Traber MG, Stevens JF. Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011 Sep 1;51(5):1000-13. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.05.017. Epub 2011 May 20. PMID: 21621601.

2. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jan-Feb;7(1):31-5. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.174306. PMID: 26904400; PMCID: PMC4742618.

3. Brigelius-Flohé R, Traber MG. Vitamin E: function and metabolism. FASEB J. 1999 Jul;13(10):1145-55. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.13.10.1145. PMID: 10385606.

Author: Nikita Vishnoi BCA