Benefits, Dosages, and Side Effects
Vitamin E is usually synonymous with skin health and beauty, but did you know that the benefits of this vitamin are actually much more diverse? These nutrients are even classified as antioxidants which have a number of advantages for the body.
Without adequate intake of vitamin E, the body cannot perform the functions of vision, reproduction, and even the brain optimally. How did it happen? Check out the answer in the following review.
Benefits of vitamin E for health
Vitamin E is a type of fat soluble vitamin as well as a natural antioxidant. This vitamin is classified as a micronutrient which means it is needed in small amounts. Its functions are very diverse, including for skin health, fertility, and overall health.
In addition to maintaining general health, giving vitamin E also aims to treat or prevent deficiency of this vitamin. People with certain diseases may also need additional vitamin E intake from supplements.
Here are some of the uses for this vitamin for health.
1. Increase endurance
Vitamin E is included in a row of vitamins that are important for the immune system. This vitamin works by protecting the membrane (outer layer) of immune cells. In this cell membrane, there are fatty acids that are easily damaged by free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that can damage a cell. The function of antioxidants such as vitamin E is to fight the effects of free radicals and protect cells to stay healthy. In immune cells, this is useful for increasing endurance.
According to some animal studies, vitamin E deficiency can also decrease the production of antibodies and the ability of white blood cells to fight disease. This problem can be overcome by giving vitamin E supplements regularly.
2. Inhibits aging
Aging is a natural thing. However, this process can take place faster if you are often exposed to free radicals from cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, certain food ingredients, or other sources.
Free radicals will weaken and destroy healthy body cells. Body cells also age faster so that premature aging occurs. One of the best known advantages of vitamin E is preventing premature aging and all of its characteristics.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce the impact of free radicals on body cells. This nutrient, also known as alpha-tocopherol, maintains cell strength and health, thereby slowing down the aging process.
3. Increase the chances of getting pregnant
A 2017 study suggested that taking vitamin E might increase your chances of getting pregnant. This study was conducted on 40 women who had previously failed implantation (a fertilized egg failed to attach to the uterus).
After 12 weeks, the group of women who took vitamin E supplements had an increase in the thickness of the uterine wall. The research team also saw decreased plasma levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress that can damage cells.
The uterine wall that is too thin is known to reduce the chances of a fetus forming and increase the risk of miscarriage. With the thickening of the uterine wall, it is hoped that the chances of pregnancy will be higher.
4. Healthy lungs
Apart from the immune system, the benefits of vitamin E also include the respiratory system. A deep research European Respiratory Journal shows that these nutrients can prevent inflammation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is an inflammatory disease that can develop causing damage to lung tissue. This disease is generally caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases, especially cigarette smoke.
Vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory properties can actually help reduce inflammation, which is a major problem with COPD. In addition, increased vitamin E intake is also beneficial for overall lung function.
5. Healthy hair and scalp
Beautiful hair grows from a healthy scalp. One way to nourish the scalp is to meet the needs of vitamin E. This is because vitamin E is a nutrient that is important for skin health, including the scalp.
Scalp cells cannot be separated from the risk of damage caused by free radicals. As an antioxidant compound, the benefits of vitamin E are to protect scalp cells and prevent this damage.
This vitamin helps strengthen the fat layer found in the cells of the scalp. This will give your hair a solid place to grow. Your hair will be stronger and free from the risk of falling out.
Vitamin E is needed to maintain the resistance of various cells in the body. To get various benefits, don’t forget to complete your daily menu with a variety of foods that are sources of vitamin E.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Hashemi, Z., Sharifi, N., Khani, B., Aghadavod, E., & Asemi, Z. (2017). The effects of vitamin E supplementation on endometrial thickness, and gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammatory cytokines among women with implantation failure. The Journal Of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 32(1), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2017.1372413
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Schwartz, JR, Henry, JP, Kerr, KM, Mizoguchi, H., & Li, L. (2015). The role of oxidative damage in poor scalp health: ramifications to causality and associated hair growth. International journal of cosmetic science, 37 Suppl 2, 9–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12289
