Vitamin E-Benefits, Overdose, and Deficiency Symptoms

Vitamin E is famous for its antioxidant abilities. It protects cells and tissues from damage by free radicals.

The two main functions of this vitamin include...

1) act as an anticoagulant and reduce the blood's ability to clot. This reduces the risk of clot-related stroke and heart attack.

2) act as an antioxidant (as I stated before). Vitamin E prevents free radicals from joining other destructive fragments and forming harmful substances in our bodies-substances that can attack body tissue.

free radicals

In fact, it has been proven that this vitamin's antioxidant strengths can promote healthy bone growth by "fighting off" chemicals and acids that can affect bone formation.

It protects the blood and sexual glands from the many pesticides, food chemicals, and inhaled toxins that people are exposed to on a daily bases.

Vitamin E works to support many body systems, including the nerves, the muscular system, and the reproductive system.

Vitamin E Food Sources

Vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables are the best sources of vitamin E.

Other food sources include sweet potatoes, broccoli, mangoes, and asparagus.

Vitamin E Overdose and Deficiency Symptoms

A vitamin E deficiency is rare, but unlike most vitamin deficiencies, the lack of a proper diet is usually not the cause.

A vitamin E deficiency is usually caused by three situations which include an inability to store fat, persons of premature birth, and people with rare metabolism disorders. It is also important to note that a vitamin E deficiency can cause an inability to store fat.

The most common deficiency symptom is an increased risk of free radical damage from environmental and food chemical exposure.

Toxicity of vitamin E is uncommon but not impossible. Because vitamin E acts as an anticoagulant, meaning it reduces the risk of blood clots, an overdose can actually increase the risk of bleeding problems such as heavy nosebleeds.

Blotchy skin is also a sign of a vitamin E overdose, however; it is important to note that blotchy skin can be a symptom of many other health issues.

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