In general, all vitamins are essential for our bodies to remain healthy. Among these, Vitamin E is especially important as it regulates the body’s metabolism and helps to release energy from the food we eat. It is stored within the fatty tissues of the body. Although Vitamin E deficiency is more common in developing countries, it is also seen in people in developed countries who have medical issues relating to fat absorbency.
Vitamin E provides numerous benefits to humans of all ages. Included among these benefits is protection of the skin from ultraviolet light, prevention of cell damage as a result of free radicals and increased blood circulation. Vitamin E slows down aging and is a natural diuretic. The ability of Vitamin E to increase oxygen in the body results in increased blood circulation in the scalp and protection of the lungs. Also, as you can see from my other post vitamin E cream is a very popular treatment used by many product makers.
Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency
In infants, insufficient Vitamin E can produce weight loss and delayed growth. Problems with physical and mental development have also been traced to Vitamin E deficiency in babies. Children with inadequate Vitamin E can exhibit loss of tendon reflexes, muscle weakness and neurological issues among other symptoms. Deficient Vitamin E in adults can result in symptoms that include cataracts, sexual dysfunction and abnormalities in the muscles, brain, liver and bone marrow.
Sources of Vitamin E
The Recommended Dietary Allowance of Vitamin E for adults is 15 mg. Infants less than 3 years of age require 6mg and children need about 7mg each day to remain healthy. Vitamin E can be found in abundance in a wide variety of food. Some excellent sources of Vitamin E are chard, mustard and turnip greens and sunflower seeds. Almonds, spinach and whole grains are also packed with this beneficial vitamin.
Supplements are available for adults who do not get enough Vitamin E from their diet. A doctor should be consulted before taking Vitamin E because it can act as a blood thinner. Supplements should be taken daily at the same time each day. Most people also take Vitamin C which helps with absorption. Adults should take no more than 1,000mg daily to avoid Vitamin E overdose; which can cause pain in the abdomen and internal bleeding.
References:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/126187-overview
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=111
http://health.learninginfo.org/vitamin-e.htm
http://alzheimers.emedtv.com/vitamin-e/vitamin-e-overdose.html