VITAMIN E   TOCOPHEROL


  • Dosing
    		•
  • Therapeutic Uses
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  • Sources
    		•
  • High-Risk Groups
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  • Deficiency Consequences
    		•
  • Toxicity/Side Effects
    		•
  • Contraindications
    		•
  • Additional Information
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  • Drug Interactions
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    United States Recommended Dietary Allowances
    Men - 15 IU, Women - 12 IU, Pregnant women - 15 IU
    Nursing mothers - 16 - 18 IU, Children - 9 - 10 IU, Infants - 4 - 6 IU
    15 IU = 10mg alpha-tocopherol






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    Therapeutic Uses
    Treatment or prevention of vitamin E deficiency. A very important antioxidant. It stabilizes cell membranes, cells and cellular structures from oxidative damage. It also maintains red blood cell membranes.





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    Sources
    Polyunsaturated oils, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, wheat germ oil and vegetables.







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    High-Risk/Increased Need Groups
    Those taking large doses of iron.







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    Deficiency Consequences
    Can occur from fat-malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, cystic fibrosis) or insufficient dietary intake. Symptoms include hemolytic anemia, nerve damage, muscle weakness, poor circulation, eye damage and involuntary eye movements.






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    Toxicity/Side Effects
    Infrequent and nonspecific but may include fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, blurred vision, flatulence, diarrhea and dermatitis. Doses up to 3000 IU have been consumed with few or no side effects.






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    Contraindications
    None noted.







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    Additional Information/Precautions
    Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It has potent antioxidant properties. Absorption depends on ability to digest and absorb fat. Used in cancer, skin conditions, nocturnal leg cramps, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, aging, premenstrual syndrome and to increase athletic performance. Enhancement of vitamin A utilization and suppression of platelet aggregation have been attributed to vitamin E. Evidence strongly supports the role of vitamin E in prevention and treatment of heart disease, and possibly other degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cataracts. Additional evidence is showing that vitamin E may function to slow the process of aging. Vitamin E consists of 4 tocopherols, alpha, beta, gamma and delta of which alpha is the most common and the most potent. Natural vitamin E is d-alpha-tocopherol. Activity is destroyed in stomach if taken with inorganic iron or estrogen. Alcohol forms (tocopherol) can be used topically or as a food preservative.
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    Drug Interactions
    Caution should be used when using vitamin E with anticoagulants (warfarin) as the effects of the anticoagulant may be increased (increase of prothrombin time may occur).







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    References
    1. Chiropractic Nutritional Reference 1987 Edition, James M. Gerber, DC
    2. Facts and Comparisons Drug Information, Updated Monthly, Loose-leaf drug information service
    3. RA Pharmacist Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs and Other Nutrients, 1998