Vitamin E Overdose

Vitamin supplement intake is a good way to avoid various deficiencies and disorders. However, an overdose of vitamins can spearhead a different set of problems all together. Vitamin E, a fat soluble vitamin is popular for its antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, vitamin E inhibits cellular damage by preventing the formation of free radicals, thereby damaging the molecules or atoms which can lead to cellular damage. It also helps keep cancer and heart disease at bay, by preventing free radical formation. Foods containing vitamin E are eggs, meat, milk and leafy vegetables. This vitamin contributes in healing of wounds, in the structure and functioning of the nervous system and protecting the liver from various toxic substances. Eight different types of vitamin E are available, of which the most active type is called alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is available in two different forms: d-alpha-tocopherol (natural form occurring in food) and dl-alpha-tocopherol (manufactured synthetic form). Vitamin E supplements usually contain either one or both types of alpha-tocopherol and are consumed by almost 20% of the US population.

Vitamin E Toxicity

A normal dose of Vitamin E is mostly safe, however, vitamin E overdose can spearhead scores of medical problems in people with medical conditions, such as, bleeding disorders, allergies, etc. People resort to taking vitamin supplements when they want more vitamin E than their daily diet provides. Those with vitamin E deficiency start taking vitamin E supplements on a daily basis. A person requires 15-20 International Units (IU) of vitamin E a day. Experts believe that 100-200 IU of vitamin E is more than necessary for the human body. According to certain studies, people who take a higher vitamin E dosage of more than 400 IU per day, are at a greater risk of death. The reason why this happens is still unknown, so till more information is available, people are advised not to take more than 400 IU of vitamin E. However, several people do not follow the guidelines and take more than the required amount, believing that the extra amount is beneficial.

Symptoms of Vitamin E Overdose

Since vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, it gets accumulated in the body, as in the liver, adipose tissue and muscle. Thus, vitamin supplement overdose can be quite dangerous. The symptoms of vitamin E overdose are:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Blurred vision
• Higher chances of internal bleeding

Some other signs of vitamin E overdose are slow wound healing, hypertension, severe fatigue, etc. People on blood thinners such as Warfarin should avoid taking these supplements on a daily basis. This is because vitamin E increases the blood thinning function of Warfarin, resulting in increased risk of internal bleeding. Moreover, people with vitamin K deficiency should also consult the doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

People taking vitamin E supplements on a daily basis, need to drink a full glass of water with each pill. Moreover, if a person misses a dose, he/she should not take a double dose the next day. This is because vitamin E is not eliminated. It is fat soluble and gets stored in the body tissues. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to this vitamin. In case of breathing problems, swelling of the lips, hives, etc. one should immediately stop consumption of the vitamin. It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking the vitamin supplements.