Vitamin E Toxicity
Vitamin E toxicity primarily occurs when consumed in the form of supplements, and so far, acute toxicity syndrome has not been described. Many adults take high doses of vitamin E (ranging from 400 to 800 mg daily) for months or years without apparent harm.
Symptoms of vitamin E overdose include:
- Muscle weakness.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Bleeding, which occurs because an excess of vitamin E reduces the ability of blood platelets to adhere to each other or to blood vessels; this rarely occurs and is primarily found when taking coumarin, warfarin, or a vitamin E dose exceeding 1000 mg daily.
In one study, researchers hypothesized that taking vitamin E at a dose exceeding 400 international units daily may be associated with an increased risk of death and possibly prostate cancer.
While vitamin E is an essential nutrient, it’s essential to be cautious with supplementation and to avoid exceeding recommended doses without medical supervision. As with any supplement, moderation and adherence to recommended intake levels are key to maintaining optimal health and avoiding adverse effects.