disorders of nutrition
Vitamin E Excess
Introduction
Vitamin Etoxicity is rare, but occasionally high doses cause a risk of bleeding, as well as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. The greatest risk fromvitamin Etoxicity is bleeding. Diagnosis is based on a person's symptoms. Stoppingvitamin Esupplements and taking vitamin K, if needed, resolves the symptoms. (tocopherol) is an antioxidant: It protects cells against damage by free radicals, which are by-products of normal cell activity and which participate in chemical reactions within cells. Some of these reactions can be harmful. (See also Overview of Vitamins .) Many people takevitamin Esupplements to help prevent certain disorders.Vitamin Esupplements do not protect against heart and blood vessel disorders. There is no convincing evidence thatvitamin E, even in high doses, slows the progression of Alzheimer disease. Whethervitamin Esupplements protect against tardive dyskinesia (repetitive involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, arms, or legs—a side effect of antipsychotic drugs) and whether they increase or decrease the risk of prostate cancer is controversial. Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which dissolves in fat and is best absorbed when eaten with some fat. Good sources ofvitamin Einclude vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and wheat germ. 