You may have seen many people, especially young people, using Vitamin E to make their skin beautiful and healthy. Some people buy it from the pharmacy without even consulting a doctor. But what exactly is Vitamin E? How good is it for our bodies? What happens if we take too much of it? Let's talk about all this simply and honestly today.
What is vitamin E? What benefits does it have for the body?
Simply put, vitamin E is something that helps control and treat low levels of vitamin E in our body. But that's not all. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant .
Think of the cells in our body as tiny houses. Environmental pollution, certain unhealthy foods we eat, and stress can damage these houses (i.e. cells). Vitamin E acts as a protective barrier around these houses. In other words, it protects our cells from external damage.
Because of this protection, vitamin E helps greatly in maintaining the health of our blood cells, brain, eyes, and especially skin . That's why many people use vitamin E for beautiful skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using Vitamin E
However, vitamin E does not provide the same benefits to everyone. People with certain medical conditions should be very careful when using it. Before you start using vitamin E, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
| Your health condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Anemia | Vitamin E may interfere with some anemia treatments. |
| Bleeding problems | Vitamin E can reduce blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. |
| If you have had a previous stroke | Taking high doses of vitamin E can be dangerous for some people. |
| Decreased vitamin K levels | Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. Vitamin E reduces the activity of vitamin K, further increasing the risk of bleeding. |
| If you have recently had surgery | It is not advisable to take vitamin E after surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding. |
| Allergies to vitamin E or other substances | It can be dangerous if you are allergic to vitamin E or anything else it contains. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Taking high doses of vitamin E is not safe for the mother or baby. Medical advice is essential. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Vitamin E taken by the mother can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, take it only on medical advice. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is usually taken with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the medicine packet exactly. For best results, take it with a meal. This will help your body absorb it better and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
It is very important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and only in the prescribed amount. Never take more than the doctor tells you to.
What if you drink too much by mistake? (Overdose)
Imagine that you accidentally took more than the recommended amount of vitamin E pills. If that happens, don't panic. But don't take it lightly.
Immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Another important thing is, this medicine is for you only. Never give your vitamin E pills to friends, family, or anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Interactions with other medications and things to be aware of
Other medications that may interact with vitamin E
If you are taking medication for another condition, it is very important to tell your doctor before starting vitamin E. Some medications can interact with vitamin E. Some examples are:
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. Cholestyramine)
- Some medications for weight loss (e.g. Orlistat)
- Mineral oil
- Blood thinners (blood clotting medications) like Warfarin
Especially if you are taking medication like Warfarin , taking vitamin E can greatly increase your risk of bleeding. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including herbs and vitamins.
Be careful of these things when taking vitamin E.
- A good diet is important : Taking a vitamin pill will not provide the same nutrition as a balanced diet. So, follow a good diet. Foods like whole grains, fruits, green vegetables, and vegetable oils provide natural vitamin E.
- Don't take too much: Taking too much of any vitamin can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage for you.
- Before surgery: If you are having any surgery or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking vitamin E. They may ask you to stop taking it a few days before the surgery.
Let's also learn about side effects.
Some people may experience side effects when taking vitamin E. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or tarry stools, brown vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising or bleeding. |
| Side effects that are usually common, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Fatigue | Feeling extremely tired. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
How should I store the medicine?
Keep vitamin E capsules or tablets out of the reach of small children . Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat and light. Discard expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects our cells, but it is not a miracle cure for every ailment.
- Never start using vitamin E without medical advice, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Inform your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or supplement you take.
- Taking too much vitamin E can be dangerous. Be especially careful with it as it increases the risk of bleeding.
- A balanced, nutritious diet is always more important than vitamin pills.
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