Vitamin E in doses bigger than 400IU (250mg) must be avoided, researchers say

As in the previous article I was talking about the benefic effects of Vitamin E taken together with fish oil, and their properties to prevent from heart diseases and heart attack, today I want to warn you because I found statement that are talking vitamin E isn't very protective in high doses and may prove contrary effects either.

Starting 4 years ago, in 2004, and since then often and often, I find groups of scientists talking about the adverse effects off overdoses vitamin E. they are pointing to the idea that solely taken vitamin E in doses bigger than 400 IU (International Units) or approximately 250mg, for long period, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes among elderly people. Researchers found that those taking 400IU and more of vitamin E daily had increased their risk 1 in 20 to die of a heart attack or strokes. No evidence of additional risks in patients taking a 200IU or less dose was found.

Because it is massively considered that Vitamins are good stuff, thousands in Britain and hundreds of thousands in entire world are taking daily more than 400IU of vitamin E. and not only it is believed they are benefic, but also because their proven property of lowering heart attack risk, heart diseases, good antioxidants and immune system strengtheners.

Previously it was considered that doses above 1000IU can present some risks, because of the blood thinning. In drug stores, supermarkets and pharmaceutical companies usually sell vitamin E in capsules of 400IU or 800IU.

Dr Edgar Miller, associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, was one of a team of researchers who presented the research at the American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans.

He said: "A lot of people take vitamins because they believe it will benefit their health in the long term and prolong life. But our study shows that use of high-dose vitamin E supplements certainly did not prolong life, but was associated with a higher risk of death. If people are taking a multivitamin, they should make sure it contains no more than a low dose of vitamin E."

Vitamin E is contained in wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, vegetable oils, margarine, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. As an antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals, the unstable charged molecules that can damage cells and cause cancer.

Previous studies have suggested that vitamin E reduces the risk of prostate cancer in male smokers, decreases the risk of Alzheimer's disease when taken with vitamin C and protects against Parkinson's disease.

Updated: January, 27 2010 08:43:03

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