Vitamin E

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against harmful radicals. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in the body's fat tissue and liver. Tocopherol and tocotretinols are different forms of vitamin E.

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What does vitamin E do for the body?

The most important functions of vitamin E are the vitamin's antioxidant effect. Vitamin E protects the fat in the body's cells and tissues against harmful breakdown and cell damage.

Sources of vitamin E in the diet

Good sources of vitamin E in the diet are cod liver oil, vegetable oils, whole grain products, nuts and avocados.

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Recommended daily intake of vitamin E

• Children under 10 years: 3-6 mg

• Women over 10 years: 8-10 mg

• Men over 10 years: 7-8 mg

• Pregnant: 10 mg

• Breastfeeding: 11mg

The recommendations for daily intake of vitamin E for children, women and men vary depending on age.

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What happens with a lack of vitamin E?

Lack of vitamin E is relatively rare. But premature children and people with diseases that cause chronically low fat absorption from the gut are examples of groups that are more susceptible to a lack of the vitamin. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are neurological changes, such as unsteady walking.

What happens with too much vitamin E intake?The risk of vitamin E poisoning is very low. However, high doses of vitamin E can cause discomfort in the form of diarrhoea, nausea and flatulence.

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Advice and guidance on vitamin E supplements

Vitamin E is found in several different vitamin E supplements and in most multivitamin-mineral supplements and in cod liver oil. People who use cod liver oil should use a multi-vitamin mineral supplement without vitamin A and vitamin D, so they don't get too much of these vitamins.

There are some over-the-counter medicines for vitamin E deficiency, which contain high doses of vitamin E. Consult a doctor before starting treatment with these products. p.s. 

Pregnant women should not use high doses of vitamin E without consulting a doctor first. High vitamin E doses can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.