Vitamin & Mineral Guide: Vitamin E

Acts as a scavenger, cleaning up free radicals, also aids in the formation of red blood cells, reproduction and growth. 

How Much: RDA = 15 mg for adults.

Too Much: UL = 1,000 mg daily.  May cause increased bleeding time.

Too Little: Associated with fat mal-absorption diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

Foods:  Peanut butter, almonds, sun-flower seeds, margarine, wheat germ, corn oil, soybean oil and turnip greens. 

Interactions:  High amounts may increase bleeding, especially if blood-thinning medications also are used; aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and drugs for schizophrenia or chemotherapy. 

Research Note: A study of 136 people with knee OA found that supplemental vitamin E didn’t have any beneficial effect.  Several 2007 studies show vitamin E may protect against inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.