Vitamin E & Vitamin K

Details about Vitamin E & Vitamin K

Vitamin E (Tocopherol or Tocotrienol)

Vitamin K

Benefits of Vitamin E and Vitamin K

A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that helps prevent cell membrane damage and may inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol (a process that increases its harmful effects on arteries). Researchers once thought that vitamin E might protect against cardiovascular disease. This theory has been debunked. However, a 2007 study found that vitamin E supplementation reduced the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in women at risk for, or with a history of, DVT.
Vitamin E supplements have also been shown to produce a statistically significant decrease in menopausal hot flashes.
There is also early evidence that vitamin E may protect against ovarian cancer.

The most important function of vitamin K is its role in blood clotting and prevention of bleeding. As a result, the vitamin may be able to help treat hepatoma, leukemia, and hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. The vitamin also contributes to maintaining healthy bones and healing fractures. Vitamin K is widely used in Japan to treat osteoporosis, and studies suggest it may be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended daily allowance (RDA) or dietary reference intake (DRI)
(mcg = micrograms, mg = milligrams, IU = international units)

RDA is 15 mg (22 IU) for all adults, including pregnancy women. Nursing mothers need 19 mg (28 IU). (Vitamin E Supplements should be taken along with some oil or fat to be absorbed.)
Vitamin E is composed of 8 compounds (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols). Vitamin E is most often available as supplements of dl alpha tocopherol (a synthetic form).
Other vitamin E compounds may prove to be more active than the standard synthetic supplement. They include natural vitamin E, called d-alpha- or RRR-alpha-tocopherol succinate (VES). Other vitamin E compounds of interest are tocotrienol and beta and gamma tocopherol. Supplements that contain a combination of some of these forms may be most beneficial.

RDA is 60 - 65 micrograms (women) and 70 - 80 micrograms (men).

Foods containing the vitamin

Vegetable oils (particularly wheat germ oil), sweet potatoes, turnip greens, mangos, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, and soybeans.
Tocotrienol (a possibly beneficial form) is found in natural tropical oils. Palm oil sold in the US is refined and does not contain tocotrienol.

Best dietary sources are canola oil, cruciferous vegetables, and soybean oil. Good sources are beef liver, bran, and olive oil.
Also produced by bacteria in the intestines.

Effects of deficiencies

Deficiencies have not been established.

Easy bruising, bleeding. May increase the risk of hip fractures in women.

People at risk for deficiencies

Low-birth weight infants.
People who eat a low-fat diet.
People with medical problems that impair fat absorption, such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, steatorrhea, liver diseases (such as cirrhosis).
People with abetalipoproteinemia, a rare genetic disorder that impairs fat metabolism.

Deficiency may occur in patients who have problems absorbing fats, such as those with cirrhosis, people who are on long-term antibiotic therapy, or who are taking other medications, including cholestyramine, Dilantin, and phenobarbital. Some evidence suggests that more young people may be deficient than previously believed.

Toxicities

Upper level recommended is 1,500 IU of alpha tocopherol. Large doses may cause bleeding problems, particularly in people taking anti-clotting medications. Some research now indicates that vitamin E, like other antioxidants, may have pro-oxidant and damaging effects. Although vitamin E is one of the best studied vitamins, research has yielded conflicting results, and definitive conclusions about the benefits and toxicity of vitamin E have not yet been determined. In a major 2005 study, there was no significant difference in cancer rates between people who took 400 IU of vitamin E daily and those who did not, although those who took the supplement had a higher risk of heart failure. Additional studies also link high levels of vitamin E with a slightly increased risk of heart failure and death. On the other hand, studies show that vitamin E may reduce heart problems in high-risk patients such as certain people with diabetes.

Allergic-type responses, including rash and itching, to high doses have been reported. Those who are taking Coumadin, an anticoagulant, should not take vitamin K without consulting a physician. Vitamin K deficiency can cause anorexia, lethargy, growth retardation, bone loss, soft tissue calcification, and death.