Inherent Nutrition

Topics covered:

• What is vitamin E?
• What does vitamin E do for us?
• What types of foods contain vitamin E?
• What is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?
• Are there health risks associated with vitamin E?
• References

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What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble essential micronutrient and an antioxidant.

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What does Vitamin E do?

Vitamin E boosts our immune system, helps the body absorb Vitamin K, maintains healthy skin and eyes, and is needed for certain metabolic processes. In addition, Vitamin E has been shown to widen blood vessels which reduces the chance of blood clots, and therefore lowers the risk of heart attacks. Finally, Vitamin E may prevent bladder and prostate cancer, and potentially has the ability to reduce age-related eye disorders.

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What types of foods contain Vitamin E?

Vitamin E can naturally be found in foods such as meats, eggs, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, whole-grains, vegetable oils and green vegetables.

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What is the minimum Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?

Ages 0-6 months: 4 mg

Ages 7-12 months: 5 mg

Ages 1-3 years: 4 mg

Ages 4-8 years: 5 mg

Ages 9-13 years: 11 mg

Ages 14+ years*: 15 mg

*If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult with a dietitian for your RDA.

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Are there health risks associated with Vitamin E?

Vitamin E deficiency can lead to nerve and muscle damage, a weakened immune system, vision problems, and heart disease.

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References:

1. Boyle, Marie A., and Sara Long. Personal Nutrition, Seventh Edition California, Wadsworth College Learning, 2010.
2. “Fortify your knowledge about Vitamins.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 21, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2011 <http://www.fda.gov>
3. “Vitamin E.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. May 31, 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2011 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus>
4. “Vitamin E.” Harvard School of Public Health. 2011. April 15, 2011 <http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/index.html>
5. “Vitamin E.” American Cancer Society. July 30, 2010. Retrieved April 15, 2011. <http://www.cancer.org>
6. “Vitamin E.” Health Supplements Nutritional Guide. 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2011 <http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com>
7. “Vitamin E.” Office of Dietary Supplements. 2011. Retrieved May 01, 2011 <http://ods.od.nih.gov>
8. Griffin, Morgan R. “Vitamin E.” WebMD. David C Leopold, MD. December 7, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2011 <http://www.WebMD.com>

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Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an “authoritative statement” under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

General Safety Advisory

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.