by Jennifer Brett, N.D.

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Brett, N.D., Jennifer.  "How Vitamin E Works."  11 January 2007.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/how-vitamin-e-works.htm>  24 July 2008.
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Vitamin E Supplements

When you cannot get enough Vitamin E in your diet, supplements can be an effective way of meeting your daily requirements. However, not all supplements are created equal.

Vitamin E is safe when taken in amounts of 400 IU daily, even for prolonged periods of time. Amounts significantly larger than this might delay blood clotting, possibly causing an increased risk of stroke or uncontrolled bleeding in the event of an accident. Because of this possibility, people on anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) should not take large doses of vitamin E.

For vitamin E's heart-health benefits, daily doses of 400 IU are most commonly recommended, but amounts as low as 100 IU each day can still help prevent some of these problems. For fibrocystic breast disease, 400 to 600 IU of vitamin E per day is a common dosage range.

Some vitamin E supplements can contain an excessive amount of the vitamin.
©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
Some vitamin E supplements can contain an excessive amount of the vitamin.

Look for supplements of d-alpha-tocopherol containing mixed tocopherols. This will give you some of the other forms of vitamin E that have strong antioxidant power. Avoid "dl" tocopherol preparations, as they are synthetic and not recognized by the body.

Vitamin E has been gaining popularity lately, but it is still not as widely known as most of the other vitamins. Hopefully now you know why you need vitamin E and how you can introduce it into your diet.

Vitamin E is just one of the many vitamins that are part of a healthy diet. Check out the following links to learn more:
  • Vitamin A is the vitamin found in carrots that improves eyesight. Learn more in How Vitamin A Works.
  • B vitamins come in many different varieties and have a volume of health benefits. How B Vitamins Work explains everything in detail.
  • How Vitamin C Works will show you how this vitamin can strengthen your immune system and even fight cancer.
  • Your body can make its own vitamin D if you get enough sunshine. Learn more at How Vitamin D Works.
  • Vitamin K mostly affects the body's blood supply and the rate at which blood clots. How Vitamin K Works can tell you more.
  • To learn about the many vitamins in our diet, how much you should be eating, and where to find them, go to our general Vitamins page.
  • To find the best prices on vitamin E supplements, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the
Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. A recognized leader in her field with an extensive background in treating a wide variety of disorders utilizing nutritional and botanical remedies, Dr. Brett has appeared on WABC TV (NYC) and on Good Morning America to discuss utilizing herbs for health.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

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