Of all the vitamins, Vitamin E is one of the most common in the diet of North Americans. It is abundant in many oils and nuts, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkins, and numerous other foods common to the every day diet.
Skin Conditions: Although a reasonable dietary intake of Vitamin E is recommended, that is not the only use for it. It is used externally as well. Many lotions creams and cosmetics contain a generous portion of the vitamin, as it has many benefits for the skin. It has a reputation of reducing wrinkles and fine lines, giving the face a natural, younger look.
Antioxidant: Another role Vitamin E plays in skin care products is as an antioxidant. A large part of this is stored in the ability to repel harmful UV rays. When applied twenty or more minutes before sun exposure, this nutrient helps lessen the impact of the sun's rays on the body.
Sun Burns: When a person forgets to apply the oil prior to sun exposure and, as a result, suffers a sun burn, the vitamin is again there to help. It helps relieve the pain of the burn and replace damaged skin cells.
Psoriasis: Vitamin E is also well-known to help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. In liquid form, it soothes the itchiness and reduces scratching, and therefore swelling of the area.
Recommended Daily Intake: According to surveys conducted by the USDA, women between the age of 19 and 50 average only 90% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E, whereas men in the same age bracket average very close to 100% of the recommended daily intake.
Deficiency: Deficiency of Vitamin E is not easy to detect and symptoms have been disagreed upon by many scientists. One thing that most scientists do agree on, though, is that a deficiency is likely to cause issues in the digestive system with it not being able to absorb enough nutrients for a health body. Many researchers also believe that a deficiency in this nutrient can cause skin issues, but there are many others who disagree and say that there is not enough evidence to support these claims.
Toxicity: Toxicity from this nutrient is quite rare. For people who obtain it solely from their diet with no supplements, there are no known cases of toxicity. Studies have shown, though, that supplemental doses of 3,000 IU or more can cause cramping, lack of energy, skewed vision, sore muscles and cramping in the intestines. High levels of the vitamin can also cause prolonged bleeding and a lack of clotting if a person has low levels of vitamin K in their body.
Supplements: The maximum recommended supplemental intake, according to the National Academy of Sciences, is 1,000mg per day. Anything higher than that has the potential to cause toxicity side Effects.
Overall, most healthy diets do not require Vitamin E supplements. Some health conditions that hinder absorption of the vitamin in the intestines could create the need for a supplement. Make sure you contact your dietary physician before deciding what dose is right for you.
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Vitamin E for Skin & Digestion
