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Vitamin E: what it is, what it is for and when to take it

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Vitamin E is an essential vitamin for the functioning of the body, as it has powerful antioxidant action, anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to contributing to the control of bad cholesterol and improving fertility, as it has 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 can also be consumed in the form of capsule supplements, 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:

  • Balance cholesterol levels; Improve skin and hair health, as it provides integrity to the skin and cell walls; Increase skin firmness and prevent wrinkles; Improve healing; Prevent aging; Improve physical resistance and muscle strength; Combat infertility, as it contributes to the formation of hormones.

In addition, vitamin E can 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 food supplement, vitamin E can be used to maintain the health of the skin, increasing its elasticity and preventing wrinkles, to improve blood circulation, assist in the control of cholesterol, fight free radicals in the body and prevent aging. This vitamin also strengthens the immune system and can be recommended as a supplement 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 newborns, vitamin E deficiency can cause premature retinopathy and intracerebral bleeding, so in these cases, between 10 and 50 mg of vitamin E is administered daily under medical supervision.

Vitamin E in capsules

Supplementation of vitamin E in capsules is usually done at a dose of 3 to 15 mg per day, however, it is recommended that its use be 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 health food stores, found at a price that varies, on average, between 13 to 50 reais, depending on the location it sells, brand and dosage.

Symptoms of lack of vitamin E

The lack of vitamin E is rare and is usually associated with problems of intestinal malabsorption, and can cause reduced reflexes, difficulties in walking, double vision, loss of position, muscle weakness and headache.

There is a greater concern of this type of deficiency in newborn babies, because during pregnancy there is little passage through the placenta, however, breast milk is sufficient to supply the need for vitamin E that the baby needs. Find out what the symptoms are and how to avoid vitamin E deficiency.

Toxic effects of vitamin E

Hypervitaminosis E can cause bleeding in individuals who use anticoagulant drugs, so it should not be consumed in these cases.

Vitamin E is fattening?

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 foods that are sources of this vitamin, as they may cause an increase in daily calorie consumption.

Vitamin E: what it is, what it is for and when to take it