Vitamin E Overdose Symptoms

Vitamin E is known as Tocopherol in scientific terms. Alpha tocopherol and Gamma tocopherol are the two types of vitamin E out of which Gamma tocopherol is found abundantly in the nature. The two forms when used together become a strong anti-oxidant. It has got several health benefits. The daily intake of vitamin E recommended for children above the age of 14 and for adults is 15mg/day. However, vitamin E overdose symptoms are observed when it is consumed in excess. Since, vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin; excess vitamin E is stored in our body unlike other water soluble vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B-Complex which are eliminated through urine when consumed in excess. However, one must note that vitamin E when consumed in natural form is not harmful to our body. But, when it is consumed in artificial form like tablets, then excess vitamin E can cause overdose. So, see to it that whenever you consume vitamin E, it should be in its natural form.

Vitamin E is useful for promoting the growth in infants. It has got abundance of benefits for the skin. Vitamin E helps in reduction of stretch marks, prevents the occurrence of scars, diminishes wrinkles and helps in retaining the moisture of the skin by reducing transepidermal water loss from the skin. Since, it is one of the great antioxidant, it is very much useful in preventing the appearance of age spots. Also, it protects the skin from sun burn. Thus, prevents the occurrence of skin cancer. Exposure of sun to harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays causes skin cancer. It proves beneficial in maintaining the balance of oil and moisture during the process of cleansing. Apart from these numerous skin benefits, it helps in regulating the absorption of vitamin A. It lowers blood pressure and boosts the speed in recovering of wounds. It controls the level of cholesterol and blood sugar in people having type2 diabetes. It is indispensable for women because it lessens the risk of death resulting from stroke during post menopausal period. Vitamin E is useful for averting the growth of cancerous cells related to hormonal causes like breast cancer, prostate cancer etc. It also prevents osteoporosis- the condition of weakening of bones due to deficiency of calcium and phosphorus.

Sources of vitamin E are:

Plant sources: Wheat germ oil, nuts like almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and cashew nuts, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, green turnips, mangoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes, papaya, olives, brussels,  sprouts, blueberries, tomatoes, parsley and kiwifruit.

Animal sources: Animal sources are poor sources of vitamin E. most of vegetarian sources have abundance of vitamin E. Red meat, fish and dairy products like butter, cheese and milk do have certain amount of vitamin E.

Vitamin E overdose symptoms:

Consuming very high dosage of vitamin E; 1000 International Units (IU) for over a long period of time results in vitamin E overdose symptoms. Actually, the recommended daily intake is about 100-200IU. But, research suggests that consumption of vitamin E up to 500-600IU is safe. But, consumption of above 600IU can lead to vitamin E overdose symptoms.

Following are vitamin E overdose symptoms:

1. People suffering from vitamin E overdose are at a higher risk of bleeding. It could result in severe internal bleeding.
2. Nausea
3. Weakness
4. Fatigue
5. Pain in abdominal.
6. Overdose can cause slow healing of wounds.
7. It can cause breasts to become tender.
8. It can result in pulmonary embolism
9. Headache
10. Easy bruising
11. Double vision
12. Blurred vision
13. Diarrhea
14. Bloating

One must take care that anything when consumed in appropriate quantity is beneficial but when that substance is consumed in surplus quantity can be dangerous to the body. One must especially be careful with fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A (Retinol), vitamin D (Calciferol) and vitamin E (Tocopherol).

Take care!

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• Vitamin A Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin D Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin C Overdose Symptoms
• Vitamin B12 Overdose Symptoms