Dangers of Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E (also called tocopheral) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in many foods and may help prevent heart attacks, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and decrease toxins within the body, among other things. Vitamin E oil can supplement a diet that lacks Vitamin E. However, high doses of Vitamin E oil can pose a danger to certain demographics.

Natural Sources of Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is found in corn, nuts, olives, spinach and other leafy greens, wheat germ, seeds and vegetable oils.

Absorption

• Ingesting an excess of Vitamin E oil (1200 IU or more) can interfere with the absorption of Vitamins A and K. It can also pose a danger to those with a Vitamin K deficiency.

Blood Thinners

• Vitamin E can act as an anti-coagulant which increases the risk of blood hemorrhage and poses a danger for those on blood thinners. Close medical supervision is recommended for those on anti-coagulant medication.

Statin Drugs

• High doses of Vitamin E oil can affect the potency of statin (lipid-lowering) drugs.

Considerations

• For the average person, the benefits of Vitamin E oil far outnumber any potential risks.