Can Vitamin E Help Acid Reflux?

Vitamin E has been considered as a potential treatment against acid reflux disorder. While it once appeared to be a hopeful alternative to antacids, there now seems to be little evidence to prove that Vitamin E can have a significant effect on the heartburn symptoms caused by acid reflux.

What is Acid Reflux?

• Many men and women suffer from the uncomfortable sensation acid reflux disorder creates, known as heartburn. Acid reflux occurs when your stomach acids pours back into your esophagus, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Can it be Prevented?

• Acid reflux can be prevented. Overeating, smoking and alcohol consumption all increase the chances of suffering from acid reflux. It's also a good idea to take a closer look at your diet and eliminate any foods that may be contributing to the problem.

  Some other causes of acid reflux aren't always as simple to treat. Peptic ulcers can cause gastric acids to back up into the esophagus and when asthma sufferers cough and sneeze during an attack changes that occur in the chest can produce acid reflux.

Vitamin E & Acid Reflux

• Many people who suffer from acid reflux and heartburn have been found to be deficient in Vitamin E. Without adequate amounts of the vitamin, a condition known as fat mal-absorption can develop. That means that when fat is eaten it is not properly absorbed and will remain in the intestines, triggering acid reflux. However, Vitamin E deficiency is rare.

  Some experts believe Vitamin E held promise in the fight against acid reflux since it guards cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts preventing free radical damage. But recent studies confirm earlier suspicions that Vitamin E fails to notably help in relieving symptoms of heartburn.