Vitamin E toxicity is rare, but occasionally high doses cause a risk of bleeding, as well as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
The greatest risk from vitamin E toxicity is bleeding.
Diagnosis is based on a person's symptoms.
Stopping vitamin E supplements and taking vitamin K, if needed, resolves the symptoms.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant: It protects cells against damage by free radicals, which are by-products of normal cell activity and which participate in chemical reactions within cells. Some of these reactions can be harmful. (See also Overview of Vitamins.)
Many people take vitamin E supplements to help prevent certain disorders.Vitamin E supplements do not protect against cancer or heart and blood vessel disorders. There is no convincing evidence that vitamin E, even in high doses, slows the progression of Alzheimer disease or decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Whether vitamin E supplements protect against tardive dyskinesia (repetitive involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, arms, or legs—a side effect of antipsychotic medications) is controversial. It is not clear whethervitamin E supplements increase or decrease the risk of stroke.
Vitamin E, like vitamins A, D, and K, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which dissolves in fat and is best absorbed when eaten with some fat. Good sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and wheat germ.
Symptoms of Vitamin E Excess
Many adults take relatively large amounts of vitamin Efor months to years without any apparent harm. However, high doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly for adults who are also taking an anticoagulant (especially warfarin), which makes blood less likely to clot. Occasionally, adults who take very high doses develop muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis of Vitamin E Excess
The diagnosis of vitamin E toxicity is based on the person’s history of using vitamin E supplements and symptoms.
Treatment of Vitamin E Excess
Treatment of vitamin Etoxicity involves stopping vitamin E supplements.
If necessary, vitamin K, which helps blood clot, is given to stop bleeding.
