Hypervitaminosis E
Encyclopedia
Hypervitaminosis E is a state of vitamin E
toxicity.
Because vitamin E can act as an anticoagulant
and may increase the risk of bleeding problems, many agencies have set an upper tolerable intake level (UL) for vitamin E at 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day. This UL was established due to an increased incidence of hemorrhaging with higher doses of supplemental vitamin E. Doses of vitamin E above the UL can also potentiate the antiplatelet effects of certain drugs such as anti-coagulant medications and aspirin
, which can cause life-threatening symptoms in ill patients. Hypervitaminosis E may also counteract vitamin K
, leading to a vitamin K deficiency.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is used to refer to a group of fat-soluble compounds that include both tocopherols and tocotrienols. There are many different forms of vitamin E, of which γ-tocopherol is the most common in the North American diet. γ-Tocopherol can be found in corn oil, soybean oil, margarine and dressings...
toxicity.
Because vitamin E can act as an anticoagulant
Anticoagulant
An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation of blood. A group of pharmaceuticals called anticoagulants can be used in vivo as a medication for thrombotic disorders. Some anticoagulants are used in medical equipment, such as test tubes, blood transfusion bags, and renal dialysis...
and may increase the risk of bleeding problems, many agencies have set an upper tolerable intake level (UL) for vitamin E at 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day. This UL was established due to an increased incidence of hemorrhaging with higher doses of supplemental vitamin E. Doses of vitamin E above the UL can also potentiate the antiplatelet effects of certain drugs such as anti-coagulant medications and aspirin
Aspirin
Aspirin , also known as acetylsalicylic acid , is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. It was discovered by Arthur Eichengrun, a chemist with the German company Bayer...
, which can cause life-threatening symptoms in ill patients. Hypervitaminosis E may also counteract vitamin K
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a group of structurally similar, fat soluble vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins required for blood coagulation and in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue. They are 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives...
, leading to a vitamin K deficiency.
Symptoms and presentation
- Blotchy skin
- Increased bleeding
- Increased triglycerides
- Decreased production of thyroid hormones
- Decreased activity of vitamin KVitamin KVitamin K is a group of structurally similar, fat soluble vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins required for blood coagulation and in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue. They are 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives...
- Increased hemorrhaging from aspirin or anti-coagulant medications