Negative Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for maintaining good health. It is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E is also important for immune function, cell signaling, and other metabolic processes. However, while vitamin E is essential for good health, too much of it can be harmful. In this article, we will discuss the negative side effects of too much vitamin E.
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds that include α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienols. The most biologically active form of vitamin E is α-tocopherol, which is found in many foods such as nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and vegetable oils.
The Recommended Daily Intake Of Vitamin E
The recommended daily intake of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams (mg) per day. Most people can get enough vitamin E from their diet, but some people may need to take supplements to meet their daily needs.
The Negative Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin E
While vitamin E is essential for good health, too much of it can be harmful. The negative side effects of too much vitamin E include:
1. Increased Risk Of Bleeding
High doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood thinners such as warfarin. Vitamin E can interfere with the blood's ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding.
2. Nausea And Diarrhea
Too much vitamin E can cause nausea and diarrhea. This is because vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and excess amounts can be stored in the body's fat tissues, leading to toxicity.
3. Fatigue And Weakness
Excessive amounts of vitamin E can cause fatigue and weakness. This is because vitamin E can interfere with the body's ability to absorb and use other essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Headaches
High doses of vitamin E can cause headaches. This is because vitamin E can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow to the brain, which can cause headaches.
5. Increased Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Some studies have suggested that high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
6. Interference With Other Medications
Vitamin E can interfere with other medications, such as statins and chemotherapy drugs. This is because vitamin E can affect the way these medications are metabolized in the body, leading to potential side effects.
The Bottom Line
While vitamin E is essential for good health, too much of it can be harmful. The negative side effects of too much vitamin E include an increased risk of bleeding, nausea and diarrhea, fatigue and weakness, headaches, an increased risk of prostate cancer, and interference with other medications. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements, especially if you are taking other medications or have a medical condition.