vitamin e
patient counselling
How does it work?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which exists in several forms, the most common form being alpha-tocopheryl[1]. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, helping to eliminate the formation of toxic species in the body[1]. However, vitamin E can also promote blood vessel dilation and reduce platelet aggregation, which may increase your risk of bleeding9. It is unknown how vitamin E works to reduce hot flashes[1].
When do I take it?
Vitamin E should be taken once daily at the same time of day. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or crush capsules.
Vitamin E can be taken with or without foods but can be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach[2].
Vitamin E should be taken for at least 4 weeks to see some benefit[1].
If you miss a dose take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or an extra dose.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Vitamin E may cause belly pain, loose stools or a feeling of weakness or fatigue[2].
Contact your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, redness or swollen blistered skin) or if you experience any bleeding or bruising[2].
Who should not take vitamin E?
You should not take vitamin E if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are elderly you should not exceed the dose recommended to you by your health care professional. Low birth weight infants should not be given a dose that exceeds 200U/day[2]. You should consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a blood disorder, a vitamin K deficiency, diabetes, heart disease, are over 55 years of age, have cancer or have a history of cancer or are currently taking blood thinners[3].
References:
1Dennehy C., and Tsourounis C. A review of select vitamins and minerals used by postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2010; 66: 370-380.
2LexiComp. Vitamin E. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7873#f_pearls-and-related-information. Accessed March 16, 2013.
3Health Canada: It’s Your Health. The safety of vitamin E supplements. Janurary 2006. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/food-aliment/vitam-eng.php. Accessed March 22, 2013.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which exists in several forms, the most common form being alpha-tocopheryl[1]. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, helping to eliminate the formation of toxic species in the body[1]. However, vitamin E can also promote blood vessel dilation and reduce platelet aggregation, which may increase your risk of bleeding9. It is unknown how vitamin E works to reduce hot flashes[1].
When do I take it?
Vitamin E should be taken once daily at the same time of day. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or crush capsules.
Vitamin E can be taken with or without foods but can be taken with food if it causes an upset stomach[2].
Vitamin E should be taken for at least 4 weeks to see some benefit[1].
If you miss a dose take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or an extra dose.
What are some side effects that I should be aware of?
Vitamin E may cause belly pain, loose stools or a feeling of weakness or fatigue[2].
Contact your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, redness or swollen blistered skin) or if you experience any bleeding or bruising[2].
Who should not take vitamin E?
You should not take vitamin E if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are elderly you should not exceed the dose recommended to you by your health care professional. Low birth weight infants should not be given a dose that exceeds 200U/day[2]. You should consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a blood disorder, a vitamin K deficiency, diabetes, heart disease, are over 55 years of age, have cancer or have a history of cancer or are currently taking blood thinners[3].
References:
1Dennehy C., and Tsourounis C. A review of select vitamins and minerals used by postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2010; 66: 370-380.
2LexiComp. Vitamin E. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/7873#f_pearls-and-related-information. Accessed March 16, 2013.
3Health Canada: It’s Your Health. The safety of vitamin E supplements. Janurary 2006. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/food-aliment/vitam-eng.php. Accessed March 22, 2013.