Vitamin E Cautions
Article navigation
As vitamin E is such an effect blood thinner, certain people should not take vitamin E supplements at all:
- People who are about to have surgery (within 1 week of surgery)
Anyone that is scheduled for surgery should stop taking vitamin E supplements at least one week prior to the surgery, to prevent the risk of abnormal bleeding after the surgery which could be caused by vitamin E (as it has blood thinning properties). - People taking blood thinning medications
People taking blood thinning medications (coumadin, warfarin) should not take any vitamin E supplements as this combination can cause excessive bleeding that may not be able to stop, which is dangerous. People taking any blood thinning medications should not take any vitamin E supplements.
Certain people should not take vitamin E supplements without first consulting their doctor for advice:
- People with bleeding or clotting problems
- People with cystic fibrosis
- People with gastrointestinal problems
- People with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- People with iron-deficiency anaemia
- People with liver disease
- Women that have a low-birth weight baby
People who are about to have surgery (within 1 week) and people taking blood thinners should not take vitamin E supplements
Toxic Levels of Vitamin E
Vitamin E can produce toxic symptoms only at doses greater than 3000mg per day.
Overdosage and Toxicity Symptoms
Vitamin E toxicity is not easily reached as mega doses of this vitamin are required. The symptoms of taking excessive amounts of vitamin E (over 3000mg) produce the following symptoms:
- Blocked absorption of vitamin A
- Bloating and flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
People who experience any of the above toxicity symptoms should either discontinue their vitamin E supplements or reduce the dosage to the recommended daily intake and see their doctor for advice.
Overdosage and toxicity is more likely to occur from taking too many supplements, whereas dietary intake of vitamin E is highly unlikely to cause overdosage.