Question

*Patient Carolyn is working with a nutritionist who told her that it is okay to take vitamin C and B daily. She recommneded that she not take vitamin E daily. Carolyn asks you why she can't take vitamin E everyday. What do you say to Carolyn?

Answer 1

Vitamins :

Vitamins are specific group of organic compounds essential in small quantities for healthy human growth , metabolism, body function and development . It found in minute amounts in plant and animal foods . It can be produced synthetically also. Deficiencies of specific vitamins produce specific disorders.

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble and B complex and C are water soluble.

Vitamin E: is a fat soluble vitamin, mostly found in plants, that as antioxidants and are essential for reproduction .

Answer to Caroline:

It is a fact that you need Vitamin E daily and the Recommended dietary allowance is 15 mg ( 22 IU). Most of the needed amount of Vitamin E, is available in the daily diet itself. So for most of the individuals , vitamin E is not required as a supplement. lntake of Vitamin E in diet will not be harmful, but high dose of Vitamin E as supplement can increase the risk of bleeding as it causes the reduction in bloods's clotting ability and also increases the risk of Hemorrhagic stroke.

Over dose of Vitamin E causes the symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach pain , nausea,blurred vision, tiredness, head ache and dizziness etc.

Vitamin E is contraindicated in conditions such as : Vitamin K deficiency, Diabetes, bleeding disorders, history of heart attack and stroke , liver disease and head and neck cancer.