| Obesity |
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects the cells of the body from oxidative damage by substances called free radicals. Vitamin E has also been shown to protect the walls of the blood vessels. If you have been following the news, you heard the reports suggesting that too much vitamin E might be hazardous to your health. This information is based on a study which showed that people who consumed mega doses of vitamin E as a supplement for a period of several years died sooner than people who did not take the vitamin supplement. Should you worry if you have been taking large doses of vitamin E? The jury is still out. People who take vitamin E supplements may be taking as much as 1000 to 2000 I U per day. This is way beyond the 10 - 15 mg (22 I U) per day recommended by the U. S. Government and nutrition scientists, and some scientists fear that this might not be so good in the long run. A diet that includes a variety of foods, such as whole grains, wheat germ, safflower oil, sunflower oil, seeds, nuts, especially almonds and hazelnuts,, avocado, and green leafy vegetables is likely to provide the recommended amounts of vitamin E. There is very little, if any evidence to justify the intake of more than 200 or 400 I U per day. Vitamin E deficiency has been produced in animals. It is rare in humans, however. Symptoms of a deficiency include anemia, neurological damage, and muscle weakness. |
|