Products
Vitamin E is contained in numerous medicines, dietary supplements and cosmetics, for example in the form of soft capsules.
Structure and properties
Vitamin E exists as a clear, colorless to yellowish brown, viscous, oily liquid and is practically insoluble in water. In contrast, it is readily soluble in fatty oils (fat-soluble vitamin). It is a collective name for various antioxidant tocopherols and tocotrienols. The tocopherols have three centers of chirality and 8 different stereoisomers exist. The tocotrienols contain an unsaturated phytyl side chain and a single chiral C atom. The phenol of the chromanol ring can be esterified with various acids, for example with acetic acid. Depending on the methylation, alpha-, beta-, delta- and gamma-tocopherols or -tocotrienols with different activities are distinguished. A typical example is the natural -α-tocopherol with a high activity. The agents may contain different stereoisomers as well as natural or synthetic vitamin E. Vitamin E is found in cereal germs (e.g., wheat germ, wheat germ oil), nuts, seeds, in vegetable oils, in leafy vegetables, in animal organs, in eggs, milk, and butter, among others.
Effects
Vitamin E (ATC A11HA03) has antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antithrombotic properties. Among other things, it protects cell membranes, lipids, DNA, and lipoproteins from oxidative damage by free radicals. In this way, it can potentially counteract atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, according to analysis by the Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health, NIH), preventive supplementation with vitamin E has not yet been shown to prevent disease. This is unless there is a deficiency or a medical indication for taking it. Vitamin E also inhibits thromboxane, leukotriene, and prostacyclin biosynthesis and plays a role in the immune system and metabolism.
Indications for use
Medical indications include:
- For the prevention and treatment of vitamin E deficiency.
- Claudication intermittens.
- Dyslipoproteinemia with decreased HDL cholesterol levels with increased LDL cholesterol.
- Congenital hematologic disorders.
- Muscle and connective tissue afflictions.
As a pharmaceutical excipient.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The usual daily requirement for adults is in the range of 12 to 15 mg equivalents depending on age (DACH reference values). Equivalent values are provided because different representatives vary in their activities.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
High doses may increase the effect of vitamin K antagonists. Iron may reduce the absorption of vitamin E.
Adverse effects
Ordinary doses are usually well tolerated. In the gram range, gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea) may occur.
