Vitamin k contraindications

Vitamin K - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Kory Imbrescia; Zbigniew Moszczynski.

Author Information

Last Update: July 11, 2022.

Continuing Education Activity

Vitamin K is a medication used to manage and treat bleeding due to the coagulation disorder caused by warfarin and vitamin K deficiency. It is in the fat-soluble vitamin class of drugs. This activity outlines the indications, actions, and contraindications for vitamin K as a valuable agent in managing coagulation disorders caused by warfarin or vitamin K deficiency.

Objectives:

• Identify the mechanism of action of vitamin K.

• Describe the contraindications of vitamin K.

• Explain the importance of vitamin K concerning monitoring for patients on warfarin therapy, including target INR levels.

• Outline interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication for improving outcomes with bleeding using vitamin K.

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Indications

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that affects coagulation pathways within the body. Vitamin K is found in foods and can be a dietary supplement. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of coagulation proteins. It is a co-factor for vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, which includes various enzymes. The process of vitamin K carboxylation allows the coagulation factors to bind calcium ions, which further facilitates the cascade pathways. Vitamin K deficiency impairs the coagulation process leading to issues with bleeding. Recent research has linked vitamin K deficiency to issues with osteoporosis and cystic fibrosis.[1][2]

Vitamin K occurs in two bioactive forms, vitamin K1, and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is a product of plant synthesis. It is most prevalent in green leafy vegetables because it is directly involved in photosynthesis. Vitamin K1 is active in animals and is responsible for the production of coagulation factors. It also can be converted into vitamin K2 in animals.[2][3][4][5]

Vitamin K2 is created in the gut by bacteria. Gut flora converts vitamin K1 into vitamin K2 (menaquinone). A range of vitamin K2 forms can be created. This transformation takes place via the gut bacteria lengthening the isoprenoid side chain. Bacteria are the primary producers of menaquinones, which they use during anaerobic respiration. They differ in structure from phylloquinone due to the 3-substituted lipophilic side chain. The most important forms of menaquinones contain 4 to 10 repeating isoprenoid units. These are indicated by MK-4 to MK-10. The most notable forms include MK-7 to MK-11. The MK-7 and other bacterially derived forms of vitamin K2 exhibit vitamin K activity in animals. The synthetic type of vitamin K, vitamin K3 (menadione), interferes with glutathione, which causes toxicity to animals. For this reason, vitamin K3 is no longer a viable treatment for vitamin K deficiency. [2][6][7][8]

Mechanism of Action

The primary function of vitamin K2 is adding carboxylic acid groups to glutamate residues (Glu) to form gamma-carboxyglutamate residues (Gla) during the creation of clotting factors. The presence of two carboxylic acid groups on a single carbon that resides in the gamma-carboxyglutamate residue allows for the chelation of calcium ions. The binding of calcium ions in this fashion is of crucial importance for vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, permitting the perpetuation of the clotting cascades. Vitamin K is also responsible as a factor in synthesizing prothrombin, factor VII, factor IX, and factor X.[1][9]

Vitamin K becomes reduced in the cell to a metabolic form called vitamin K hydroquinone. The catalyst for this process is the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR). Subsequently, vitamin K hydroquinone gets oxidized by gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (also known as vitamin K-dependent carboxylase). This enzyme carboxylates Glu to Gla, eventually creating vitamin K epoxide. The carboxylation and epoxidation reactions are supposed coupled (occurring simultaneously). Next, vitamin K epoxide is reconverted to vitamin K by VKOR. This entire process has the name of the vitamin K cycle. Vitamin K1 deficiency is not common in humans because it constantly recycles within cells.[1][10][11]

Warfarin is a compound used for anticoagulation that blocks the action of VKOR and results in decreased amounts of vitamin K and vitamin K hydroquinone, which prevents any efficiency by the glutamyl carboxylase enzyme and prevents the carboxylation reaction from occurring. As a result, clotting factors get produced without an adequate number of Gla amino termini. These ‘inactive” factors can no longer create stable bonds to blood vessels endothelium; therefore, no clot formation will result even after endothelial injury. In conclusion, the enzymes that participate in the vitamin K cycle include gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), and an as-yet-unidentified vitamin K reductase (VKR). Vitamin K is a lipophilic compound and leads to the belief that vitamin K cycle enzymes are integral membrane proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in these enzymes result in the patient that possesses bleeding disorders or resistance to anticoagulation.[1][11][12]

Administration

The preferred choice for oral vitamin K supplementation is vitamin K1. The suggested dose is 1 to 2 mg. In cases of severe coagulopathy (i.e., high INR), an oral dose of 5 to 10 mg can be administered. The maximum oral dose is 25 mg. Alternatively, vitamin K1 can be given intravenously. The dose for intravenous administration is 10 to 20 mg. It should be given slowly (no less than 30 min). The effect usually occurs within 2 to 4 hours after administering an intravenous dose. The maximum effect for intravenous administration is 6 to 12 hours, while oral supplementation will take about 24 hours.[13]

Adverse Effects

Currently, there is no known toxicity is associated with high doses of vitamin K1 or vitamin K2. Therefore, there is no designated upper intake level (UL). Despite this, an allergic reaction is possible with either version of vitamin K. Vitamin K1 has had documented associations with bronchospasm and cardiac arrest with IV administration. The oral form of vitamin K does not seem to cause severe reactions.[14][15]  

Vitamin K2 also does not display any adverse effects when ingested orally. Studies have shown that coagulation studies in humans did not show an increased risk of blood clots when ingesting 45 mg per day of vitamin K2 (as MK-4). Researchers observed this in a patient who took upwards of 135 mg per day (45 mg three times per day).[16][17]

The synthetic vitamin K3 is very toxic, and as a result, has been banned from over-the-counter sales in the United States because ingestion could result in allergic reactions, hemolytic anemia, and cytotoxicity in liver cells.[2]

Contraindications

Vitamin K use requires caution in neonates, patients with hereditary hypoprothrombinemia, renal impairment, cases of over anticoagulation due to heparins, and hypersensitivity to vitamin K.

Monitoring

The monitoring of vitamin K administration or levels is usually through prothrombin time (PT) and INR. These values measure the presence of vitamin K-dependent factors, which is especially important to utilize in patients who have warfarin toxicity or vitamin K-related coagulopathies.

Toxicity

Vitamin K toxicity is extremely rare. The only reported toxicity comes from menadione, which has no use in humans. Its toxicity is thought to be associated with its water-soluble properties. When toxicity does occur, it manifests with signs of jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, hemolytic anemia, and kernicterus in infants.

 The mechanism by which toxicity occurs with menadione is the increased oxygen uptake in the liver, leading to a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, which in turn causes cell damage and death. Hepatocyte damage leads to the associated signs of vitamin K toxicity.[2][14][15][16][17]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Even though there is no toxic dose noted in the literature, patients should not take excessive amounts of vitamin K. Instead, patients should be urged to eat a healthy balanced diet with green leafy vegetables rather than to supplement this vitamin.  

Using vitamin K therapeutically requires the effort of an interprofessional healthcare team that includes clinicians, nursing staff, dieticians, and pharmacists, especially as it pertains to the treatment of coagulopathies. Patients on warfarin need to maintain a steady intake level of vitamin K in their diet to optimize warfarin dosing. Conversely, it serves as the antidote to warfarin toxicity. Pharmacists need to counsel patients regarding this topic and dispel the notion that because they are on warfarin, they should no longer eat green leafy vegetables but instead emphasize a consistent intake is the key. Nursing can perform follow-up with patients and also reinforce the points about dietary intake, and ensure that INR and other values remain in range. Any concerns should be reported to the prescriber of warfarin or vitamin K promptly so that dose and/or regimen adjustments can take place immediately if necessary. The dietician can examine the patient's diet and recommend changes to ensure consistent intake from dietary sources. This interprofessional approach ensures optimal patient outcomes from using vitamin K when needed. [Level 5]

Review Questions

• Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

• Comment on this article.

References

1.

Tie JK, Stafford DW. Structural and functional insights into enzymes of the vitamin K cycle. J Thromb Haemost. 2016 Feb;14(2):236-47. [PMC free article: PMC5073812] [PubMed: 26663892]

2.

Booth SL. Vitamin K: food composition and dietary intakes. Food Nutr Res. 2012;56 [PMC free article: PMC3321250] [PubMed: 22489217]

3.

Gross J, Cho WK, Lezhneva L, Falk J, Krupinska K, Shinozaki K, Seki M, Herrmann RG, Meurer J. A plant locus essential for phylloquinone (vitamin K1) biosynthesis originated from a fusion of four eubacterial genes. J Biol Chem. 2006 Jun 23;281(25):17189-17196. [PubMed: 16617180]

4.

Thane CW, Paul AA, Bates CJ, Bolton-Smith C, Prentice A, Shearer MJ. Intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1): variation with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in a national sample of British elderly people. Br J Nutr. 2002 Jun;87(6):605-13. [PubMed: 12067431]

5.

McKeown NM, Jacques PF, Gundberg CM, Peterson JW, Tucker KL, Kiel DP, Wilson PW, Booth SL. Dietary and nondietary determinants of vitamin K biochemical measures in men and women. J Nutr. 2002 Jun;132(6):1329-34. [PubMed: 12042454]

6.

Davidson RT, Foley AL, Engelke JA, Suttie JW. Conversion of dietary phylloquinone to tissue menaquinone-4 in rats is not dependent on gut bacteria. J Nutr. 1998 Feb;128(2):220-3. [PubMed: 9446847]

7.

Thijssen HH, Vervoort LM, Schurgers LJ, Shearer MJ. Menadione is a metabolite of oral vitamin K. Br J Nutr. 2006 Feb;95(2):260-6. [PubMed: 16469140]

8.

Elder SJ, Haytowitz DB, Howe J, Peterson JW, Booth SL. Vitamin k contents of meat, dairy, and fast food in the u.s. Diet. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jan 25;54(2):463-7. [PubMed: 16417305]

9.

Oldenburg J, Bevans CG, Müller CR, Watzka M. Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1): the key protein of the vitamin K cycle. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2006 Mar-Apr;8(3-4):347-53. [PubMed: 16677080]

10.

Suttie JW. Vitamin K-dependent carboxylase. Annu Rev Biochem. 1985;54:459-77. [PubMed: 3896125]

11.

Presnell SR, Stafford DW. The vitamin K-dependent carboxylase. Thromb Haemost. 2002 Jun;87(6):937-46. [PubMed: 12083499]

12.

Stafford DW. The vitamin K cycle. J Thromb Haemost. 2005 Aug;3(8):1873-8. [PubMed: 16102054]

13.

Wojciechowski VV, Calina D, Tsarouhas K, Pivnik AV, Sergievich AA, Kodintsev VV, Filatova EA, Ozcagli E, Docea AO, Arsene AL, Gofita E, Tsitsimpikou C, Tsatsakis AM, Golokhvast KS. A guide to acquired vitamin K coagulophathy diagnosis and treatment: the Russian perspective. Daru. 2017 Apr 17;25(1):10. [PMC free article: PMC5393004] [PubMed: 28416008]

14.

Rasmussen SE, Andersen NL, Dragsted LO, Larsen JC. A safe strategy for addition of vitamins and minerals to foods. Eur J Nutr. 2006 Mar;45(3):123-35. [PubMed: 16200467]

15.

Britt RB, Brown JN. Characterizing the Severe Reactions of Parenteral Vitamin K1. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2018 Jan;24(1):5-12. [PMC free article: PMC6714635] [PubMed: 28301903]

16.

Ushiroyama T, Ikeda A, Ueki M. Effect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K(2) and vitamin D(3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2002 Mar 25;41(3):211-21. [PubMed: 11886767]

17.

Asakura H, Myou S, Ontachi Y, Mizutani T, Kato M, Saito M, Morishita E, Yamazaki M, Nakao S. Vitamin K administration to elderly patients with osteoporosis induces no hemostatic activation, even in those with suspected vitamin K deficiency. Osteoporos Int. 2001 Dec;12(12):996-1000. [PubMed: 11846334]

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Vitamin K is a group of vitamins found in some green vegetables. Vitamins K1 (phytonadione) and K2 (menaquinone) are commonly available as supplements.

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin needed by the body for blood clotting, bone building, and other important processes. It's found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The name vitamin K comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin."

People commonly use vitamin K for blood clotting problems or for reversing the blood thinning effects of warfarin. It is also used for osteoporosis, athletic performance, breast cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• Bleeding problems in newborns with low levels of vitamin K (hemorrhagic disease). Giving newborns vitamin K1 by mouth or as a shot into the muscle helps prevent bleeding. Shots seem to work the best, but can only be given by a healthcare provider.
• Low levels of the blood clotting protein prothrombin (hypoprothrombinemia). Taking vitamin K1 by mouth or by IV can prevent and treat bleeding problems in people with low levels of prothrombin. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
• A rare, inherited bleeding disorder (vitamin K-dependent clotting factors deficiency or VKCFD). Taking vitamin K by mouth or by IV can help prevent bleeding in people with VKCFD. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
• Reversing the blood thinning effects of warfarin. Taking vitamin K1 by mouth or by IV can reverse the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Possibly Effective for

• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking vitamin K2 and vitamin K1 by mouth seems to improve bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures in people with weak bones. But it doesn't seem to benefit those who still have strong bones.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Bleeding into or around the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage). Taking vitamin K by mouth while pregnant doesn't seem to prevent bleeding in the brain of preterm infants. It also doesn't seem to reduce the risk of nerve injury caused by these bleeds.

There is interest in using vitamin K for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: The two forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) are likely safe when taken appropriately. Vitamin K1 10 mg daily and vitamin K2 45 mg daily have been safely used for up to 2 years. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may have an upset stomach or diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: Vitamin K1 is possibly safe for most people when applied as a cream that contains 0. 1% vitamin K1.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: The two forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) are likely safe when taken appropriately. Vitamin K1 10 mg daily and vitamin K2 45 mg daily have been safely used for up to 2 years. It's usually well-tolerated, but some people may have an upset stomach or diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: Vitamin K1 is possibly safe for most people when applied as a cream that contains 0.1% vitamin K1. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Vitamin K is likely safe when taken in recommended amounts of 90 mcg daily for those over 19 years old. Don't use higher amounts without the advice of a healthcare professional.

Children: Vitamin K1 is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately.

Kidney disease: Too much vitamin K can be harmful if you are receiving dialysis treatments due to kidney disease.

Liver disease: Vitamin K is not effective for treating clotting problems caused by severe liver disease. In fact, high doses of vitamin K can make clotting problems worse in these people.

Reduced bile secretion: People with decreased bile secretion might not absorb vitamin K supplements very well. People with this condition might need to take supplemental bile salts along with vitamin K to improve absorption.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

• Vitamin K is used by the body to help the blood clot. Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, vitamin K might decrease the effects of warfarin. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Vitamin K is an essential vitamin. It is found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

It's recommended that males over 19 years old consume 120 mcg daily, and females over 19 years old consume 90 mcg daily. While pregnant and breast-feeding, 90 mcg should be consumed daily. Recommended amounts for children depend on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

You Might Also Like

View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

capsules, 400 mg 0.004 ‰

Analogs Order in pharmacies Order
drug

Choice of description

capsules

200 mg 250 mg 260 mg 266 mg 300 mg 400 mg

All forms of release, dosages, registration certificates, drug manufacturers, drug characteristics

Vitamin E (capsules, 200 mg), instructions for medical use RU No. LP-002149

Active substance nine0052 ATX

Active ingredient

alpha-Tocopherol acetate (Alfa-Tocopherol acetate)

ATX

A11HA03 Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Pharmacological group

Vitamins and vitamin-like products nine0004

Dosage form

Capsules

Composition

1 capsule contains:

Valid substance

alpha-tocopherol acetate - 200 mg and 400 mg.

Auxiliaries substances

Sunflower oil - a sufficient amount to obtain the contents of the capsule by weight 300 mg and 600 mg.

Sheath composition gelatin capsule for 200 mg dosage:

Gelatin — 113.44 mg, glycerol (glycerin) - 51.94 mg, purified water - 14.4 mg, sodium benzoate E-211 - 0.22 mg.

Sheath composition gelatin capsule for 400 mg dosage:

Gelatin — 119.74 mg, glycerol (glycerol) - 54.83 mg, purified water - 15.2 mg, sodium benzoate E-211 - 0.23 mg.

Weight of capsule for a dosage of 200 mg - 480 mg.

Weight of capsule for a dosage of 400 mg - 790 mg.

Form Description

Soft capsules gelatinous oval shape with a seam of light yellow color.

Content capsules - light yellow oily liquid. Not allowed rancid smell.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption from 12 duodenal ulcer (requires the presence of bile salts, fats, normal functioning of the pancreas) - 20-40%. With increasing dose, the degree absorption is reduced. The time to reach maximum concentration is 4 hours. It is deposited in all organs and tissues, especially in adipose tissue. Penetrates through the placenta in insufficient quantities: 20-30% of maternal blood concentrations. Penetrates into breast milk. Excretion in the main through the gastrointestinal tract, with bile - more than 90%, less than 6% allocated kidneys in the form of glucuronides and other metabolites.

Pharmacodynamics

Fat soluble vitamin, the function of which remains unclear until the end. As an antioxidant inhibits the development of free radical reactions, prevents the formation peroxides that damage cellular and subcellular membranes, which is important importance for the development of the organism. Together with selenium, it inhibits oxidation unsaturated fatty acids (a component of the microsomal transport system electrons), prevents hemolysis of erythrocytes. It is a cofactor for some enzyme systems. nine0004

Indications

Treatment of hypo- and beriberi E.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity;

Spicy myocardial infarction;

Children's age.

Caution

Caution should be used in severe cardiosclerosis, after a heart attack myocardium, with an increased risk of thromboembolism, as well as with hypoprothrombinemia (against the background of vitamin K deficiency - may increase with dose of vitamin E more than 400 mg). nine0004

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Use the drug during pregnancy and during breastfeeding is possible if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus and child. A doctor's consultation is required.

Dosage and administration

Capsules 200 mg: Adults 1-2 capsules per day for 1-2 weeks.

Capsules 400 mg: Adults 1 capsule per day for 1-2 weeks.

Not recommended to appoint for a long time together with other multivitamin drugs, because possible overdose of fat-soluble vitamin E.

Use the drug only according to those indications, that method of application and in those doses, which are indicated in the instructions.

Side effects

Allergic reactions.

When receiving large doses - diarrhea, epigastric pain, creatinuria, dyspepsia. nine0004

When side effects, the dose of the drug should be reduced or the drug should be discontinued.

Interaction

Enhances the effect steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidants. Increases the effectiveness and reduces the toxicity of cardiac glycosides.

Purpose vitamin E in high doses can cause vitamin A deficiency in body.

Simultaneous the use of vitamin E at a dose of more than 400 mg / day with anticoagulants (derivatives of coumarin and indandione) increases the risk of developing hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding. nine0004

Colestyramine, colestipol, mineral oils reduce the absorption of alpha-tocopherol acetate.

At the simultaneous use of vitamin E with cyclosporine increases absorption the last one.

Overdose

Symptoms: when taken in for a long period at doses of 400-800 mg / day - fuzzy visual perception, dizziness, headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, diarrhea, gastralgia, asthenia; when taking more than 800 mg / day in over a long period - an increase in the risk of bleeding in patients with hypovitaminosis K, impaired metabolism of thyroid hormones, sexual dysfunction, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, necrotic colitis, sepsis, hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia, renal failure, hemorrhages in the retina, hemorrhagic stroke, ascites, hemolysis. nine0004

Treatment: cancel drug; glucocorticoids are prescribed, which accelerate the metabolism of vitamin E in liver; Vikasol is prescribed to reduce the risk of hemorrhages.

Special instructions

Required strictly follow the dosing regimen.

Congenital bullous epidermolysis in places affected by alopecia, white may begin to grow hair.

Long-term the use of the drug and / or the need to prescribe repeated courses of therapy it is recommended to periodically monitor blood coagulation parameters, as well as blood cholesterol level. nine0004

Impact on ability to drive vehicles, mechanisms

the drug does not affect the ability to perform potentially dangerous activities that require increased concentration and speed psychomotor reactions (including driving, work moving mechanisms).

Presentation

Capsules according to 200 mg and 400 mg.

10 capsules per blisters made of PVC film and aluminum foil printed varnished. nine0004

3 or 6 each blisters, together with the instructions, are placed in packs of cardboard.

Terms of dispensing from pharmacies

Dispensing without prescription.

Storage conditions

Store in a place protected from moisture and light at a temperature of 15 to 25 ° C.

Store in a place inaccessible to children.

Shelf life

2 years.

Do not use after the expiration date.

Order in pharmacies

The information provided on drug prices is not an offer to sell or buy goods.
The information is intended solely for comparing prices in stationary pharmacies operating in in accordance with Article 55 of the Federal Law "On the Circulation of Medicines" dated April 12, 2010 No. 61-FZ.

Reviews

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - ingredient description, instructions for use, indications and contraindications

Description of vitamin E

Vitamin E is a group of 8 related organic compounds with high biological activity. They are divided into 2 classes - tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each class includes 4 vitamers E - alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), delta (δ). These are different chemical forms of the vitamin. But they all have similar activity, in connection with which they are united by the general term "tocopherol".

The main biological functions of tocopherol are antioxidant protection of the body and maintenance of the full functioning of the reproductive system. It is one of the 13 vitamins that should be present in the diet of every person. nine0004

Attention! Of the 8 vitamers E, only one is synthesized in the human liver - alpha-tocopherol. The rest must be ingested through food or supplements.

Vitamin E properties

Tocopherol is an oily, transparent liquid that is soluble in fats. Color - from straw to amber. Vitamin remains stable when heated to 175 °C, dehydrated, canned with table salt. But decomposes at temperatures below 0 °C, in acidic and alkaline environments. Under the influence of air and ultraviolet light, it oxidizes and darkens. nine0004

Attention! Foods and supplements with tocopherol should be stored in dark glass containers away from sunlight.

Vitamin E is fat soluble. When it enters the body in excess of the norm, it dissolves in the fats of cell membranes and accumulates in human tissues "for a rainy day." The largest reserves of the substance are formed in the liver, pituitary gland, testicles, muscles, adipose tissues, red blood cells. This feature reduces the risk of deficiency, but increases the risk of an excess of tocopherol. nine0004

Effects on the body and norms

Thanks to its antioxidant activity, vitamin E slows down aging. It binds and deactivates free radicals - abnormal oxygen molecules with an unpaired electron that can take the missing electron from proteins, lipids, enzymes and even whole cells. They are formed during natural biochemical reactions in mitochondria and accelerate oxidative processes that provoke premature aging. Tocopherol is able to reverse this process. nine0004

Vitamin E reduces blood clotting. It improves its microcirculation, preventing thrombosis and congestion in tissues. It is also responsible for the smoothness of the vascular walls, which reduces the likelihood of cholesterol deposition on them and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Together, these properties provide the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E improves muscle tone, immune system function, and sexual function. Women need it to regulate the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries, to synthesize the right amount of progesterone, and to form the placenta during pregnancy. And for men - to improve the functioning of the gonads, the quality of the ejaculate and potency. nine0004

Vitamin E Intakes:

Pregnant women need to consume 15 mg of tocopherol daily. Nursing - 19 eachmg.

Deficiency (hypovitaminosis)

With hypovitaminosis, or lack of tocopherol, cellular respiration is disturbed, which is fraught with muscle weakness, death of liver cells, and premature aging of the skin. Men have problems with potency. In women, the risk of miscarriage, pregnancy fading and early toxicosis increases. In people of both sexes, coordination of movements is disturbed, hemolytic anemia, retinal dystrophy, and infertility may develop. nine0004

Excess (hypervitaminosis)

The main causes of hypervitaminosis are long-term intake of large doses of vitamin A, an overdose of vitamin E. It is rare, since tocopherol is non-toxic, and its excess is consumed in the body as an antioxidant.

The main signs of hypervitaminosis:

• visual impairment;
• weakness, apathy;
• headache;
• dizziness; nine0053
• rapid breathing;
• muscle pain;
• nausea, heartburn;
• pressure increase.

Attention! Due to a decrease in the number of platelets and blood clotting in vitamin E deficiency, bleeding of various localizations may occur.

Body sufficiency assessment

Whether there is enough vitamin E in the human body is determined by the amount of a substance in the blood serum and creatine in the urine. nine0282 However, with hyper-alpha-cholesterolemia, including age-related, the concentration of tocopherol in the blood does not reflect the provision of the body with it, since low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) are one of its transport forms. The most effective functional tests for the resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis.

For preventive and therapeutic purposes, you can, and sometimes you need to take supplements. nine0281 They are drunk during or after meals 2 times a day, dividing the daily dosage in half. If the purpose of taking dietary supplements is the general improvement of the body, take 100–200 IU of the vitamin per day. To slow down aging and during pregnancy - 200-400 IU. To eliminate hypovitaminosis - 400-1000 IU. In the treatment of other diseases in which the use of tocopherol is indicated, 200–3000 IU each.

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the site Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product.

Learn more

• 
  When do newborns drink water
• 
  What should my newborn's temperature be
• 
  Kinds of rashes in babies
• 
  What is gdm in pregnancy
• 
  Nipple soreness relief
• 
  Rash on 2 year old stomach
• 
  How early can autism be detected in a child
• 
  Green tea during breastfeeding
• 
  March due date
• 
  Vitamin k contraindications
• 
  When do newborns drink water