Hi Johnny!
I'm assuming you're tinkering with your vitamin dosages again? Are
you taking Vitamin E supplements now? If so, how much, and what are
you looking to accomplish with your supplementation? (Frex, are you
deficient in Vitamin E? Are you at risk for blood clots?)
I ask because it's important to pay careful attention to your dosages,
and mind that you neither exceed the maximum tolerable limit, nor
exceed the USRDA without good reason. As I've mentioned in previous
answers for you, too much of anything *is* bad for you.
As Sublime mentioned in his excellent answer over the weekend, 1000
milligrams is the maximum tolerable limit for Vitamin E. The USRDA is
considerably less (just 15 milligrams per day), but "mega doses"
exceeding the USRDA are sometimes recommended for persons with certain
skin conditions and for some cancer patients.
Your current dose of 1000 milligrams a day *is* safe for daily,
prolonged usage, but the most common recommended dose is 400
milligrams. In some individuals, long term effects of a "mega dose"
can include thinning of the blood and possible hemorrhaging:
"For vitamin E, the recommended intake for men and women is 15
milligrams, or 22 International Units, or I.U., of alpha tocopherol.
Vitamin E is in nuts, seeds, liver, whole grains and leafy vegetables.
The upper limit for vitamin E, which a person could achieve only by
taking supplements, is 1,500 I.U. if the product is "d-alpha
tocopherol," or 1,100 I.U. if the product is "dl-alpha-tocopherol," a
synthetic version of the vitamin. Higher amounts could cause
hemorrhaging, the report said."
Vitamin Mega-Dose Dispute - Report Disputes Benefits of Taking Large
Doses of Vitamins
http://www.driesen.com/vitamin_dosage_results.htm
(NOTE: This is an uncommon side effect, but doctors do urge one to
err on the side of caution.)
“Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may
affect the use of vitamin E. Make sure you tell your health care
professional if you have any other medical problems, especially:
* Bleeding problems—Vitamin E, when taken in doses greater than 800
Units a day for long periods of time, may make this condition worse.”
Vitamin E – MedlinePlus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202598.html
Another study also advises caution:
“VITAMINS C and E: These are the most popular individual supplements,
said Dr Robert Russell, director of the Human Nutrition Research
Center of Agriculture Department at Tufts University, who is head of
the Food and Nutrition Board.
Scientists once thought these vitamins could help prevent ailments
like cancer and heart disease, but rigorous studies found no such
effects.
Vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of heart attacks and
strokes, and studies of vitamin C supplements failed to show it had
any beneficial effects.
'The two vitamins that are the most not needed are the ones most often
taken,' Dr Russell said.”
Mind your A, B, Cs
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/health/story/0,4395,187381,00.html
WebMD recommends only 400 milligrams at the absolute maximum:
"Q: I'm taking 100 units of vitamin E daily. Should I increase the
amount I take?
A: Most people can take up to 400 units of vitamin E per day without
significant side effects. To be sure which dose is best for you, check
with your doctor first. Caution: Very high doses of vitamin E can thin
the blood and could cause you to bleed more easily."
WebMD - Vitamin E
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/15/1683_50019.htm
WholeHealthMD likewise offers cautions and advises no more than 400
milligrams a day:
"Large doses (greater than 400 IU per day) have been associated with
diarrhea, nausea, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, and fatigue.
Doses greater than 800 IU per day have been reported to increase the
danger of bleeding, especially in people deficient in vitamin K."
Vitamin E Side Effects - Less Common
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/drugs_view/1,1524,646,00.html
"Q: How much should I take ?
A: The most commonly recommended dose of vitamin E for adults is
400-800 IU per day.
Q: Are there any side effects or interactions ?
A: Vitamin E toxicity is very rare; supplements are widely considered
to be safe."
Vitamin E
http://www.bhpharmacy.com/Merchant/wellness/e_main.html
“Based on clinical trials, the recommended dose for disease prevention
and treatment for adults is 400 to 800 IU/day.”
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
http://www.wellfx.com/Vitamin_e.html
“The dosages of vitamin E in the prostate study were high and there
were some reported complications of cerebral hemorrhage because
vitamin E is known to have some effect on blood clotting.
However, in smaller doses vitamin E seems safe. The recommended dose
is 400 to 800 Iu a day. But as with any supplement, talk this over
with your doctor to determine the pros and cons of adding this
supplement to your diet and determine the best dose for you.”
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin E? By: Nancy Snyderman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
http://www.umc-cares.org/health_info/article.asp?Category=Nutrition&ArticleID=78
Is your current 1000 milligram daily dose safe? Most likely. It’s
noted as the maximum tolerable limit, but most of the literature I’ve
reviewed indicates that you might be better off if you cut that to
somewhere between 400 and 800 milligrams per day (again, keep in mind
what your objectives are. If you’re looking for basic
supplementation, a “mega dose” is going to be more than you need – not
dangerous, just more than necessary, and thus a waste.)
A dose of more than 1000 milligrams is not considered safe. You
should not exceed this amount.
Of course, when you’re looking to any vitamin supplementation, you
should always consult your physician to ensure that you’re taking only
what’s necessary to suit your individual needs.
As ever, it’s been a pleasure to help you. If I can be of further
assistance, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help!
--Missy
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