Vitamin e during pregnancy

Benefits of Vitamin E During Pregnancy – feedmomandme

Written by: Jasmin Kaur ; LIU Post Dietetic Interns

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Palmer, DO

In this article:

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect the body's cells from damage created by free radicals. Vitamin E's many health benefits include improving your immune system, expanding blood vessels, and preventing blood clots from occurring.

So what is vitamin E good for while pregnant? Studies have shown that consumption of vitamin E during early pregnancy can provide neuro and brain development benefits to the child. Additionally, consuming a nutritionally adequate diet rich in vitamin E may decrease the risk of a miscarriage or preterm birth.

We will be discussing if it is safe to take vitamin E during pregnancy, how much vitamin E is too much during pregnancy, the role of vitamin E during pregnancy for embryo development, and the sources enriched of vitamin E in foods.  

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that helps protect cells from free radicals. Cells develop and grow rapidly during pregnancy. Vitamin E plays a vital role in protecting your developing baby from free radicals. It also helps create and maintain red blood cells, eyes, and skin and strengthens your immune system. 

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is known to decrease oxidative stress within the body. Research suggests that increased oxidative stress within the body while pregnant is linked to health conditions such as pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, PROM, and chronic diseases later in adult life. Additionally, a healthy amount of vitamin E from the diet helps protect and reduce placental aging hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia during pregnancy, miscarriage, and premature birth.

Vitamin E is important for the formation of red blood cells. It is also used by body cells to interact with one another and perform vital functions. According to the American Optometric Associates, “Vitamin E protects cells in the eyes from unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy tissue.” It also helps strengthen the immune system to protect the body against viruses and bacteria. 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is recommended to be taken daily during pregnancy. The recommended daily dose of vitamin E during pregnancy is 15-30 mg. During pregnancy, high doses of vitamins, in general, can cause complications. Consult with your doctor before taking an additional supplement. Most prenatal vitamins already contain vitamin E.

Did you know that vitamin E is considered an essential vitamin during pregnancy? This is because your body cannot produce it!

Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. This form of vitamin is dispersed in the body, and then any extra is stored in the liver and fat cells. Overconsumption can lead to toxicity and birth defects.

Some studies have shown that excessive consumption of vitamin E can lead to an issue with blood clotting in the fetus and a higher level of bilirubin and nuclear jaundice. It can also lead to an issue with the absorption and usage of A, D, and K in pregnant women.

Once you consume vitamin E, it is provided to the skin by sebum, the oily secretions produced by sebaceous glands. This skin oil is the body’s natural moisturizer. It creates a natural barrier to protect the skin from external pathogens like infections by bacteria and fungi and loss of water. The sebaceous glands appear everywhere on the body, except the palms and soles. 

That being said, maybe celebrity Cameron Diaz is on to something about never washing her face. Sebum, the excess oil your pores produce, is vitamin E helping moisturize your skin. Instead of washing your face, try using oil blotting wipes.  

Using a topical with vitamin E’s powerful antioxidant may help nourish and protect your skin from damages caused by free radicals, such as UV damage. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet light, which destroys the outer and deeper layers of the skin. Sunscreen helps to prevent this. Vitamin E is known to protect against sunburn and dryness and has been the skin’s UV defense. Those are some of the many vitamin E benefits for the skin during pregnancy.

Yes, including vitamin E oil and/or vitamin E-based topicals in your skincare regime can prevent and fade developed stretch marks for pregnancy. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy. According to studies, around 8 out of 10 pregnant women get stretch marks as pregnancy progresses on various body parts, like the belly, breasts, and sometimes on your upper thighs. Don’t worry, this is totally normal.

Vitamin E intake causes the skin to glow by stimulating blood flow to the skin and increasing collagen production. Topical vitamin E oil during pregnancy improves skin elasticity by increasing the amount of nutrients inside your skin. Your skin is less susceptible to stretch marks and tears with more elasticity. A topical application also supports new skin cell growth and encourages cell regeneration. 

Stretch marks occur when you drastically gain or lose weight in a short time span. This happens so quickly that the middle layer of the skin (dermis), tears apart. Itchy, dry skin and poor hydration are other possible adverse effects. One of the best ways to avoid long-term stretch mark scarring during pregnancy is getting a head start with early application.

Did you know vitamin E can also help prepare you for vaginal birth and reduce the chance of an episiotomy? Experts recommend using perineal massage oil to help increase the skin’s elasticity between your vagina and anus. Start applying perineal massage oil in this delicate area around 34 weeks to reduce the chance of tearing during delivery. Check out our Perineal massage oil by Irene Organics, made with USDA Certified Organic Ingredients and is toxin-free.

Some studies suggest consuming vitamin E rich-food lowers your risk of coronary heart disease in older men and women.

Here is a list of foods with the best source of vitamin E: 

• Oils (e.g. wheat germ, safflower, sunflower, soybean, olive, canola
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts 
• Peanut butter
• Nut butter
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Vitamin E is found in some breakfast cereals, fruit juices, margarine, and some spreads

An insufficient amount of vitamin E can negatively affect the development of an embryo during pregnancy. A deficiency of vitamin E has shown damaging results on the neurologic development of an embryo. This can ultimately cause the embryo to not develop completely and normally, leading to death and possibly miscarriage.

Vitamin E is essential during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Mainly when the embryonic brain and neurological development occurs because it protects DHA and choline from becoming excessively depleted from the body. DHA is seen to aid in neurologic, brain, and cellular growth. Similarly, choline helps protect and prevent the risk of neural tube defects in infants and improves children's cognitive functioning when taken early on during pregnancy.

In a research study that was conducted on Bangladeshi pregnant women, the individuals who had a lower intake of vitamin E during pregnancy exhibited having twice as many miscarriages. In contrast, those with adequate nutrition and a healthy range of vitamin E did not.

One of the best over-the-counter prenatal vitamins during pregnancy is Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal Vitamin with DHA.  

Many studies have shown that the combination of vitamin E with DHA helps to improve the cognitive function and neurological health of children whose mother’s have taken those together. 

More than vitamin E supplementation, multivitamins have been encouraged to take and supplemented early on during pregnancy. In some studies, vitamin E supplementation has shown to be effective and beneficial during pregnancy for infant development and maternal health. Whereas, in other studies, vitamin E does not show conclusive results in demonstrating its effectiveness during pregnancy.

Please check out our Benefits of Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA Multivitamin Blog for more information on prenatal vitamins. To purchase our gluten-free prenatal vitamins with vitamin E, click here! You got this mama, you and your little one are going to thrive!

+SOURCES

• Mun, J. G., Legette, L. C. L., Ikonte, C. J., & Mitmesser, S. H. (2019, May 21). Choline and DHA in maternal and infant nutrition: Synergistic implications in brain and eye health. Nutrients. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566660/
• Rumbold, A., Ota, E., Hori, H., Miyazaki, C., & Crowther, C. A. (2015, September 7). Vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.cochrane.org/CD004069/PREG_vitamin-e-supplementation-pregnancy Traber, M. (2017, October 5).
• Vitamin E deficiency linked to embryo damage, death. Life at OSU. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2017/jan/vitamin-e-deficiency-linked-embryo-damage-death
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements - vitamin E. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
• U.S. National Library of Medicine. (1990, January 1). Vitamins A, E, and K. Nutrition During Pregnancy: Part I Weight Gain: Part II Nutrient Supplements. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235251/
• Vitamin E deficiency linked to greater risk of miscarriage among poor women. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2014/vitamin-e-deficiency-linked-to-greater-risk-of-miscarriage-among-poor-women
• Vitamin E protects omega-3 fatty acids and the brain. Linus Pauling Institute. (2017, July 12). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/feature-story/vitamin-e-protects-omega-3-fatty-acids-and-brain
• Vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.cochrane.org/CD004069/PREG_vitamin-e-supplementation-pregnancy
• Vitamin E. The Nutrition Source. (2021, May 13). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-e/
• Vitamin overdose during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. (2021, December 9). Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://americanpregnancy. org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/vitamin-overdose/
• Webb, D. (2017, December). Examining vitamin E - today's Dietitian Magazine. Today's Dietitian. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1217p28.shtml
• World Health Organization. (2019, February 11). Vitamin E and C supplementation during pregnancy. World Health Organization. Retrieved January 13, 2022, from https://www.who.int/elena/titles/vitaminsec-pregnancy/en/
• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00602/full
• https://academic.oup.com/molehr/article/22/2/143/2459877
• https://ufhealth.org/vitamin-e
• https://ufhealth.org/vitamin-e
• https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y
• Sebaceous gland secretion is a major physiologic route of vitamin E delivery to skin - PubMed (nih.gov)
• What's The Best Natural Moisturizer For Dry Skin? - Sole Toscana
• https://feedmomandme. com/products/perineal-massage-oil
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19451807/
• https://feedmomandme.com/products/complete-prenatal-vitamin-with-dha
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15808790
• IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D DURING PREGNANCY – feedmomandme
• https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/preeclampsia
• https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-prenatal-vitamins-and-dha

Vitamin E in Pregnancy | AAFP

PATRICIA VAN LEER, MD

Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(7):online

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.

Study Population: Pregnant women

Efficacy End Points: Placental abruption avoided

Harm End Points: Stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal infant death, preterm birth, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), placental abruption

Narrative: Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that decrease oxidative stress within the body. During pregnancy, increased oxidative stress has been linked to pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and PROM. This review evaluates the effectiveness of vitamin E supplementation in pregnancy.¹

Approximately 22,000 women from 17 trials were included in the analysis. The review reports no clear difference in stillbirth or neonatal death. There was also no difference noted for perinatal death, preterm birth, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction, although the authors note substantial heterogeneity for these specific outcomes.

PROM and placental abruption were considered secondary outcomes. Heterogeneity is a limiting factor for analysis of preterm PROM; however, the authors reported no difference using advanced data analysis. There is a statistically significant increase in the risk of term PROM in patients taking vitamin E supplements vs. the control groups (number needed to harm = 19; P < .001). Patients who received vitamin E had a decreased risk of placental abruption (number needed to treat = 333; P = . 02).

Among the most patient-important outcomes, such as infant death, vitamin E does not show any benefit. Although there may be some benefit in decreasing placental abruption, vitamin E may cause harm during pregnancy by increasing term PROM.

Caveats: Perhaps the most notable limitation, beyond the marked heterogeneity, is the administration of vitamin E with other supplements. All of the studies included in the review gave patients vitamin E with other supplements, usually vitamin C. This complicates the data because of the inability to separate the effects of vitamin E from the effects of the other supplements.

Vitamin E supplementation is a controversial topic in newborns, increasing the importance of these data. Oxidative stress in newborns is implicated in intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, and lung disorders. Vitamin E supplementation in newborns for prevention of these complications has been associated with an increase in neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. ² This review does not support the use of maternal vitamin E supplementation because of complications with the pregnancy but does not look at the rate of newborn outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage. Death rates in the newborn were analyzed, but no statistically significant difference was noted.

Based on available data, further studies focused on vitamin E supplementation alone are not warranted and may not be safe for the pregnant patient.

Copyright ©2022 MD Aware, LLC (theNNT.com). Used with permission.

This series is coordinated by Christopher W. Bunt, MD, AFP assistant medical editor, and the NNT Group.

A collection of Medicine by the Numbers published in AFP is available at https:// www.aafp.org/afp/mbtn.

Vitamin E supplements during pregnancy

What is the problem (question)?

Does vitamin E supplementation (alone or in combination with other vitamins) by women during pregnancy improve the outcomes of their children by reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and the number of children born prematurely? Does it cause harm?

Why is this important?

Although vitamin E deficiency rarely occurs in healthy adults and pregnant women, inadequate dietary intake of vitamin E (found in vegetable oils, nuts, grains, and some green leafy vegetables) can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and low birth weight babies . In addition to this, vitamin E deficiency can be aggravated by an excess of iron, and therefore it is important to investigate the optimal amounts required during pregnancy. nine0005

What evidence did we find?

This review includes 21 trials involving more than 21,000 women. Four trials did not contribute data to the analysis. In general, clinical trials were of varying quality. Only three studies were on vitamin E alone, but none of these studies contributed data to the analysis. All other studies included vitamin C and additional supplements or medications.

These results indicate that regular vitamin E supplementation in combination with other supplements during pregnancy did not improve pregnancy outcomes for infants or women. There was a decrease in the incidence of early delivery of the placenta (placental abruption) in women who received vitamin E supplements in combination with other agents, which was rated as high-quality evidence. However, it is unclear whether this was due to vitamin E or due to other agents used in the supplements. This should be explored in further research aimed at investigating the mechanisms leading to placental abruption. nine0005

A review found that vitamin E supplementation during pregnancy may be harmful, as there is an increased risk of abdominal pain and rupture of membranes before delivery in women taking vitamin E supplements in combination with other supplements. There was no increase in pre-partum rupture of membranes in women with preterm labor when using vitamin E supplements and other agents.

What does this mean?

Large body of evidence does not support the use of vitamin E supplements, alone or in combination, during pregnancy. This is because taking vitamin E in combination with other supplements during pregnancy does not help in preventing pregnancy problems such as stillbirth, infant mortality, preterm birth, preeclampsia, or low birth weight. Vitamin E may increase abdominal pain in women and increase the number of women with early rupture of membranes at term. nine0005

Translation notes:

Translation: Agletdinova Elnara Lenarovna, Ziganshina Lilia Evgenievna. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia - Cochrane Russia (branch of the Northern Cochrane Center on the basis of Kazan Federal University). For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]

Pregnancy Vitamin E | Elevit® Pronatal

Vitamin E is represented by a whole group of fat-soluble compounds. The most accessible and most well-known form for humans is alpha-tocopherol. High concentrations of vitamin E are found in various oils. Therefore, it is not always possible to get it with food: not everyone likes oil in large quantities. In 1938, tocopherol was isolated synthetically, and today it can be obtained in the form of capsules and other dosage forms.

Vitamin E during pregnancy is actively involved in the maturation of the placenta - the most important organ, without which the life of the embryo is impossible. In the early stages, this substance - vitamin E - prevents miscarriages, supports the production of sex hormones and prolactin (lactation hormone). A sufficient dose of tocopherol is necessary for a woman in all trimesters of pregnancy. nine0005

Sometimes this valuable substance is called the “female vitamin”. Its useful properties can be listed for a long time:

• supports hormonal function, including the work of sex hormones;

• helps deliver oxygen to cells and tissues;

• has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails;

• helps with uterine infantility - taking vitamin E contributes to its maturation; nine0005

• normalizes ovarian function;

• helps with menstrual irregularities - it is prescribed even in adolescence;

• stabilizes hemoglobin levels and protects blood cells - especially useful for anemia.

Vitamin E works closely with vitamin A and ascorbic acid. It enhances their function, helping to strengthen the immune system and maintain vision. [2]

Vitamin E is prescribed for pregnant women for comprehensive support of metabolism in conditions of serious hormonal changes. nine0005

Prenatal vitamin E benefits not only the mother. This element takes an active part in the development of the respiratory system of the baby. If a child has a lack of vitamin E, his vision deteriorates, the risk of developing hemolytic anemia increases, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs may occur. [2]
Many mothers wonder if it is possible to take high doses of vitamin E during pregnancy? The need for all vitamins during pregnancy increases, but you should not go too far. Hypervitaminosis is as dangerous as vitamin deficiency. The harmonious development of the fetus depends on a balanced intake of nutrients. The exact dose of vitamin E preparations should be selected by the doctor in each individual case. nine0005

Vitamin E during pregnancy can be obtained from food. Foods rich in this substance are various oils, liver, some cereals and legumes. Table ^9.10 shows the approximate content of vitamin products.

Product	Amount of vitamin E (α-tocopherol), mg
Sunflower oil, 1 tablespoon
Safflower oil, 1 tablespoon	4.6
Grape seed oil, 1 tablespoon	3.9
Canola oil, 1 tablespoon	2.4
Corn oil, 1 tablespoon	1.9
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon	1.9
Soybean oil, 1 tablespoon	1.1
Sunflower seeds, dry roasted, 100 g	26.1
Almonds, 100 g	24-26
Hazelnut, 100 g	15. 2
Peanuts, 100 g	7.8-8.5
Peanut butter, 2 tablespoons	10.2-11.3
Canned tomato sauce, 1 cup
Cranberry juice 1 cup (220 ml)	3.0
Dried apricots (halves), ½ cup	2.8
Avocado, 1 fruit	2.7
Fried rainbow trout, 100 g	2.8
Spinach	boiled 1.19 in ½ cup, raw 0.6 in whole cup
Canned asparagus, ½ cup
Boiled broccoli, ½ cup	1.1
Kiwi, 1 medium	1.1
Blackberries, raw ½ cup	0.8
Mango slices, ½ cup	0.7
Raw tomato, 1 medium	0.7

Synthetic preparations of vitamin E are prescribed in medical practice. This increases the chances of its sufficient intake into the body. nine0005

Vitamin E capsules are taken during pregnancy as directed by a physician. Capsules contain different amounts of tocopherol - 100 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg.

You can use tocopherol as part of multivitamin complexes. In addition to vitamin E, such preparations contain a set of other necessary substances. All nutrients in supplements meet the daily needs of the body during the gestation period.

Elevit®Pronatal is a modern complex of vitamins and minerals to support the health of mother and baby. It has proven effective in preventing congenital malformations of the fetus [11] and in reducing the risk of many pregnancy complications [3, 4, 5, 6]. The drug is taken at the stage of preparation for conception, throughout pregnancy and lactation: from the thought of conception to the last drop of milk [7]. nine0005

Vitamin E norms in different countries vary from 10 to 15 mg per day. The recommended dosage in Ukraine is 15 mg per day [8]. If a person goes in for sports intensively, performs heavy physical work every day, lives in an ecologically polluted area, it is necessary to add 1-2 mg of vitamin.

How to take vitamin E during pregnancy in order to provide the body and not exceed the dosage?

Vitamin E, as well as all other drugs prescribed during pregnancy or lactation, is subject to the golden rule: take exactly as recommended by your doctor. And they can be different, depending on the individual characteristics of each specific case. nine0005

Vitamin E deficiency mainly affects the nervous system and blood cells. Stocks of tocopherol are exhausted in 1-3 months if they are not supplied in sufficient quantities. The risk of developing hypovitaminosis exists in the following cases:

• strict diets, anorexia;

• congenital metabolic disorders;

• insufficient production of bile;

• Crohn's disease; nine0005

• diseases of the stomach.

In these situations, additional tocopherol may be needed as a prophylaxis for vitamin E deficiency.

When vitamin E deficiency occurs in the body, symptoms are not long in coming. Main features [12]:

• muscle weakness;

• dry skin;

• tendency to constipation;

nine0051

decreased libido;

• pallor or jaundice of the skin;

In severe cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by:

Vitamin E is important for pregnant women at all times. It is also prescribed during the planning period and after childbirth, as an additional support for health. If a newborn has a lack of vitamin E, this can have a negative impact on the baby's vision, the child may not gain weight well, and immunity may be reduced. Vitamin E deficiency may be accompanied by a decrease in the content of vitamins A, C, D in the body.

Vitamin E during pregnancy should be taken in strict accordance with the doctor's recommendations. The result of self-medication may be an overdose.

Its early signs may be:

• nausea, bloating, diarrhoea;

• increased blood pressure.

With long-term use of large doses of vitamin E, disorders of fat metabolism, increased sensitivity to insulin in patients with diabetes mellitus are possible. nine0005

If the body has too much vitamin E, an overdose will affect the blood test.

Conscientious adherence to all doctor's prescriptions is one of the keys to a successful pregnancy and a happy ending.

1. Cochrane Review Core Group: Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Rumbold A, Ota E, Hori H, Miyazaki C, Crowther CA, 7 September 2015

2. Pronina T.S. Vitamins. Scientific notes of the St. Petersburg named after V.B. Bobkov Branch of the Russian Customs Academy, 2007, С 317-361

3. Kurmacheva N.A., Rogozhina I.E., Chernenkov Yu.V., Panina O.S. The effectiveness of the use of the vitamin-mineral complex Elevit® Pronatal from early pregnancy to improve obstetric and perinatal outcomes. V.I. Razumovsky.

4. Shi Lin, Liu Xinghui, Chen Peng, Gao Yan, Sun Jianli, Jin Chao. Retrospective of multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes array research. Chinese Journal of Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics Vol. 36, Issue 2, February 2020. P.177-181. nine0005

5. Mozgovaya E.V., Prokopenko V.M., Oparina T.I., Novikova T.D. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of vitamin and mineral complex for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia and preeclampsia during pregnancy // Obstetrics and Gynecology. -2011. - No. 4. - P.89-94.

6. Tkachenko L.V., Khomich E.A. Features of pregravid preparation in women with a history of non-developing pregnancy // Medical Alphabet. - No. 27. - 2016, Vol. No. 3: Modern gynecology. - P.15-18. nine0005

7. Gromova O.A. et al. Dose-dependence of the protective effects of folic acid in the preconception period, during pregnancy and lactation.

8. Ordinance of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 03.

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