Although a balanced diet will provide enough vitamin E to keep the body healthy. However, in certain health conditions, vitamin E supplements may be needed. So when is the best time to take vitamin E?
Vitamin E is essential for the immune system, helping cells fight infections and protecting your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are formed as a result of metabolic functions, such as converting food into energy, or from exposure to environmental pollutants.
In addition to supporting the immune system, vitamin E benefits many organs in the body, including the eyes, reproductive system, blood, skin, and brain.
1. What happens when the body does not have enough vitamin E?
If you do not have enough vitamin E, over time, you may have symptoms of losing control or coordination of some of your body’s movements (called ataxia). This nerve damage can cause pain and weakness in your arms and legs (called peripheral neuropathy), as well as vision problems (retinopathy).
Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, to determine the cause, and if vitamin E deficiency can be supplemented
Vitamin E should be supplemented with a heavy, high-fat meal.
2. When is the best time to take vitamin E?
Take vitamin E as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor for your medical condition. Do not take more or less vitamin E than recommended or for longer periods of time. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E, if you have any medical conditions or allergies, or if you are taking medication.
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it needs fat to be absorbed best and to cause the least stomach irritation (taking vitamin E on an empty stomach can cause nausea, heartburn, or other stomach upset). Therefore, vitamin E supplements work best when taken with food, especially with a meal that contains fat.
Accordingly, if you tend to eat a light breakfast, the best time to take vitamin E may be with a heavier meal (lunch or dinner), for optimal absorption and to prevent indigestion.
Vitamin E supplements should be taken at the same time each day. This habit also helps you remember to take your medication more easily. If you forget, do not take extra vitamin E to make up for the missed dose.
3. Side effects of vitamin E
Some people are sensitive to vitamin E supplements, even when taken in appropriate doses, which can cause side effects.
Long-term use of large amounts of vitamin E can cause excessive bleeding and is more likely to cause risks than benefits. Stop taking vitamin E and seek medical help if you experience:
Blurred vision
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
Abdominal pain or nausea
Extreme tiredness or weakness
Mild rash…
For people with heart disease or diabetes, do not take more than 400 IU of vitamin E per day. According to the National Institutes of Health, doses higher than this can increase the risk of heart failure and heart-related hospitalizations.
4. Preventing adverse interactions when taking vitamin E
– Avoid taking vitamins, mineral supplements, or other nutritional products that contain vitamin E.
– Some prescription drugs interact with vitamin E, including cancer drugs, some antibiotics, anticoagulants, and statins. According to Drugs, up to 250 drugs are known to interact with vitamin E. Therefore, users should read the instructions carefully or consult a doctor to avoid this adverse interaction.
– If you are taking niacin and combining it with vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium, some of the beneficial effects of niacin may be reduced.
– Taking vitamin E supplements with vitamin K may reduce the effects of vitamin K.
