Vitamin E is an essential vitamin for the functioning of the body, because it has potent antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, besides contributing to the control of bad cholesterol and improve fertility, since it plays an important role in the production of hormones.
This vitamin is found in food, and its main sources are foods of plant origin, such as whole grains, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, avocados or olive oil, for example, however, in some cases vitamin E may also be consumed in the form of supplements in capsules, under the guidance of the doctor or nutritionist.
See a more complete list of foods rich in vitamin E.
What is it for
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is one of the most important antioxidants, and its benefits include:
- Balancing cholesterol levels;
- Improve skin and hair health as it provides integrity to the skin and cell walls;
- Increase skin firmness and prevent wrinkles;
- Improve wound healing;
- Preventing aging;
- Improve physical endurance and muscle strength;
- Combat infertility as it contributes to the formation of hormones.
In addition, vitamin E may be useful for improving the immune system and contributes to the functioning of the brain. Check out more about the benefits of vitamin E.
When to supplement with vitamin E
As a dietary supplement, vitamin E can be used to maintain healthy skin, increase elasticity and prevent wrinkles, improve blood circulation, help control cholesterol, fight free radicals in the body and prevent aging. This vitamin also strengthens the immune system and can be recommended with supplementation for couples with fertility problems.
In addition, in some cases of changes in cholesterol, 1000 mg per day of tocopherol may be part of clinical treatment.
In premature infants, vitamin E deficiency may cause retinopathy of prematurity and intracerebral bleeding, so in these cases 10 to 50 mg of Vitamin E daily is administered under medical supervision.
Vitamin E in capsules
Supplementation of vitamin E in capsules is usually done in the dose of 3 to 15 mg per day, however, it is recommended that its use is guided by a doctor or nutritionist, who can better adapt the doses according to the needs of each person .
Vitamin E in capsules is found in pharmacies or natural products stores, found for the price that varies, on average, between 13 to 50 reais, depending on the place you sell, brand and dosage.
Symptoms of lack of vitamin E
Lack of vitamin E is rare and is usually associated with problems of intestinal malabsorption, and can lead to reduced reflexes, walking difficulties, double vision, loss of sense of position, muscle weakness, and headache.
There is a greater concern for this type of deficiency in newborn babies because during pregnancy there is little passage through the placenta, however, breastmilk is sufficient to supply the need for vitamin E that the baby needs. Learn what the symptoms are and how to avoid vitamin E deficiency.
Toxic effects of vitamin E
Hypervitaminosis E can cause bleeding in individuals who take anticoagulant medications, so it should not be consumed in these cases.
Does Vitamin E Fatten?
There is no evidence that vitamin E in capsules at the recommended daily dose causes weight gain. However, care should be taken with excessive consumption of food sources of this vitamin, as they may cause an increase in the consumption of daily calories.
