Vitamin E is one of the vitamins most commonly taken by the elderly, and its production, promotion, and sale is a multimillion-dollar industry.
Vitamin E is found most commonly in fats and oils, especially in vegetable oils. Cereals and other grain products, dairy products, fish, meat, eggs, and green, leafy vegetables also contain considerable amounts. The body absorbs it well, and because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is efficiently stored in the body. Vitamin E deficiency in experimental animals has been found when it is purposely removed from their diets. It is, however, very difficult to detect true vitamin E deficiency in human beings. Proponents of the beneficial affects of vitamin E claim that when taken in large amounts, it can prevent many human diseases. Although numerous reports over the years have claimed positive effects, few seem to be conclusive in their assessment of benefit to humans.
There are certain childhood diseases for which vitamin E seems beneficial, and adults who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, certain types of pancreatic disease, and illnesses leading to malabsorption of fats may derive some benefit. But only because they cannot adequately absorb this substance should they take it in large quantities.
Many claims have been made that vitamin E has a beneficial effect on circulation. Some studies done on the heart and blood vessels show that people who suffer from pain in their legs because of an inadequate blood supply (intermittent claudication) may benefit from vitamin E. However, the response to vitamin E therapy is not universal. If you suffer from intermittent claudication and have not benefited from other medications or from surgery, you may experience some relief of symptoms with vitamin E in a dosage of 400 to 800 International Units (IU) daily.
Vitamin E has been claimed to improve sexual function, muscle strength, and athletic ability, as well as decrease the symptoms of angina pectoris and coronary heart disease and retard the aging process. However, there is no conclusive evidence of this. Nevertheless, you may still be convinced that vitamin E works. Many popular books recommend its use for all kinds of problems associated with aging, so it may be difficult to convince you that extra vitamin E is unnecessary.
One eminent professor of cardiology tells the story about his patients, many of whom, by the time they came to see him for consultation, were already taking large doses of vitamin E. In the early days of his practice he would tell them that the supplemental doses of the vitamin were not necessary. When some of these patients developed heart attacks, they would say to him, “See, that’s what happens when you stop taking vitamin E.”
On one occasion he saw a patient who had previously been extolling the beneficial effects of vitamin E on his angina pectoris. The man subsequently suffered a heart attack. The professor remarked when he saw him, “Well, I guess the vitamin E didn’t really help.” The patient looked at him earnestly and said, “To tell you the truth, Doc, I probably wasn’t taking enough.”
A recent article in a major medical journal described the results of a study done under the auspices of the U.S. Public Health Service over a six-month period. It failed to show any positive effect of vitamin E on the symptoms of angina pectoris or coronary artery disease. Other than those who suffer from a problem with the absorption of food or perhaps who have symptoms related to an impaired blood supply to the legs, there does not appear to be a need to take vitamin E supplements.
It is often claimed that vitamin E has never been shown to cause serious side effects. This is not so. Some physicians claim that an excess can increase the tendency to form blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis). Other side effects may be fatigue, muscle weakness, skin rash, and breast tenderness. Therefore, you cannot justify taking vitamin E by saying, “At least it can’t do any harm.” All unnecessary medications can do harm, physically, financially, or by lulling you into a false sense of security that may keep you from taking other important steps in your health care.
Taking vitamin E supplements is an expensive way to try to promote your health and longevity. Further research may demonstrate some positive effects of this vitamin, but until then vitamin E should not be considered as a necessary dietary supplement.
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