By: Ross Althizer, Abby Nye, Allison Cubbage, and Jessica Cammiso

What if there was a vitamin that could prevent heart disease, cancer, cataracts, or even Alzheimers?

Vitamin E ● There have been clinical trials to test these theories, but not enough evidence of its success in preventing these diseases. ● There has been a recent study at Johns Hopkins that concluded that high doses of vitamin E could increase the risk of death.

DRI/RDA ● Men and women ages 14+ require the most vitamin E of any other age group, at 15 mg/day

Major Functions of Vitamin E Vitamin E is an antioxidant that speeds up cell regeneration and removes free radicals that damage cell structure. Its antioxidant properties provides many functions some including: ● Support cognitive development. ● Anti-aging agent o Supports healthy brain function. o Can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological diseases. Can also help slow the onset of the brain disease when diagnosed. ● Protection against toxins (air pollution). ● Protection from eye disorders (cataracts). ● Protection from premenstrual syndrome. ● Vitamin E oil can help the healing process, treat sunburn, and protect against the sun

Major Sources of Vitamin E FoodPortionMilligrams of Vitamin E Sunflower seeds(dry roasted)¼ cup8.4 Spinach(cooked)1 cup6.7 Safflower oil1 tablespoon4.6 Beet greens(cooked)1 cup2.6 Pumpkin(canned)1 cup2.6 Almonds1 ounce7.4 Red peppers(raw)1 cup2.4 Asparagus(cooked)1 cup2.2 Swordfish(cooked)3 ounces2.1

Symptoms include: -General nerve degeneration such as: ● Muscle weakness ● Loss of muscle mass ● Abnormal eye movements ● Vision problems ● Unsteady walking -Extended periods of deficiency cause liver & kidney damage. Deficiencies of Vitamin E

Deficiencies continued... Vitamin E deficiency is most common in developing countries and very rare in developed. -Diseases that arise from vitamin E deficiencies (and malabsorption of fat): ● Mild hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells) ● Retinopathy (blindness) ● Cystic Fibrosis (fluid in lungs) ● Spinocerebellar ataxia (loss of reflexes and senses) -Treatments include adding a supplement to aid in fat absorption

Vitamin E Toxicity High levels do not have a significant harm (400mg - 800mg/day). -Some symptoms that may appear: ● Nausea ● Fatigue ● Diarrhea ● Muscle weakness ● Bleeding is uncommon unless dosage exceeds 1000mg/day or prescribed certain medications -May increase risk of stroke and premature death (however reports are inconclusive)

Interesting Facts ●Vitamin E deficiencies rarely occur in most people ●Vitamin protects cell membranes from free radicals that cause oxidation ●It loses its potency when exposed to air, light, and heat

Interesting Facts ●Vitamin E is an essential nutrient, so we need to include it in our diet ●Researchers have concluded that using Vitamin E topically before and after surgery can help heal scar tissue

References -Ehrlich, Steven. “Vitamin E.” University of Maryland Medical Center. 15 Jan Fata GL, Weber P, Mohajeri MH. Effects of Vitamin E on Cognitive Performance during Ageing and in Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutrients. 2014; 6(12): "Interesting Facts about Vitamin E." Beauty Water. Web. 5 Mar Johnson, Larry. “Vitamin E.” The Merck Manual, Professional Edition. Oct Web.. -Krans, Brian. "Can I Use Vitamin E Oil for Scars?" Healthline. 17 Sept Web. 5 Mar Peterson, George. "Interesting Facts about Vitamin E." Interesting Facts About Vitamin E. Web. 4 Mar Weil, Andrew. "Supplements & Herbs." Facts About Vitamin E. Web. 5 Mar "Vitamin E." Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health, 5 June Web. 18 Mar "STUDY SHOWS HIGH-DOSE VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTS MAY INCREASE RISK OF DYING." Johns Hopkins Medicine. 10 Nov Web. 18 Mar