Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)

What role does it play in the organism?
Tocopherols, the most active of which is alpha-tocopherol, are substances with a so-called antioxidant effect, in other words, they neutralise harmful free radicals and also protect the good health of the cell membrane.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Good dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, green plants and the germ of cereals. The vitamin E content of foodstuffs of animal origin greatly depends on the feeding of these animals.

Who are exposed to vitamin E deficiency and what does this deficiency state cause?
Vitamin E deficiency occurs many in newborn children, but it can also occur in children with an inappropriate diet. Among others, its deficiency may cause disorders of the nervous system, damage to the red blood cells and even sterility after sexual maturation. In adults, the most frequent reason for vitamin E deficiency is inadequate intake and absorption disorders. Hungarian data indicate that similarly to vitamin A, a value limit deficiency can be observed, in other words, vitamin E intake does not reach the recommended quantity.

What is the recommended intake for vitamin E?
The recommended daily intake in Hungary is 3-10 mg for children depending on age and 10 mg for adults.

What are the health risks of excessive vitamin E intake?
Symptoms of overdose appear in the case of taking 800 mg/day (80 times the recommended daily allowance) for years, which include mainly muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea or blood coagulation disorders in more severe cases.