Are there common vitamin E side effects and what are they? While vitamin E can have many health benefits, there are some side effects. People may even overdose by taking too much vitamin E.
What Is Vitamin E?
Alpha-tocopherol is the compound known as vitamin E. While it is produced naturally in our bodies, we also benefit from many foods that contain vitamin E. Also considered an antioxidant, vitamin E can help fight aging, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
Common Vitamin E Side Effects
Doctors warn if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking a vitamin E supplement that you stop it and contact your health care provider immediately:
- Swelling or closing of the throat
- Swelling of your lips, face or tongue.
- Excessive itching
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Diarrhea or excessive gas or bloating
- Intestinal cramps
- Excessive bruises or bleeding after an injury
Studies have shown the when people consumed 400 international units or IU per day of vitamin E, it could result in death. While more research is needed in this area, some scientists feel excessive vitamin E can cause an unbalance of the natural antioxidants in our bodies, making it harmful.
Another sign of too much vitamin E is gastrointestinal bleeding. The signs of gastrointestinal bleeding are black or bright red stools or vomiting up blood.
Some physicians say if you have changes in vision or in your speech pattern, or become weak in the arms or legs and have a severe headache, this could be a stroke as a result of too much vitamin E. Symptoms such as these merit an immediate trip to the emergency room.
Treating Vitamin E Side Effects
Because there is no antidote for too much vitamin E, if you feel you are experiencing side effects, it's best to contact your health care provider. First stop taking any vitamin E supplements. Once you see your health care provider the best they can do for the bad effects of vitamin E you may be experiencing is to treat each symptom. For example, if you have gastrointestinal bleeding or excessive wound bleeding you may be given medication to stop the bleeding. If severe headaches occur, a pain medication may be recommended. Anyone experiencing side effects should continue to consult with their physician until the symptoms stop and should not start taking vitamin E again without the consent of a health care professional.
Should You Take a Vitamin E Supplement?
According to The Doctor Will See You Now, between twenty-five and fifty percent of adults take some sort of vitamin E supplement. While vitamin E offers many health benefits, to avoid side effects never take more than 400 IU of the supplement per day to prevent a reaction.Doctors recommend if you are nursing, pregnant or have any severe medical condition, you should consult with your health care professional prior to starting a vitamin E supplement routine.
Vitamin E side effects have lately been debated within the science world, however, safe doses may be beneficial to your body. Still, scientists say the foods we eat that contain vitamin E may be all our bodies need if we eat a healthy diet. Keep in mind that if you want to start taking vitamin E, ask your physician first.
