Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant. It helps to remove free radicals from the body and protects cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. It also aids in protecting vitamin C, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids from destruction in the body. Vitamin E deficiency is rare, especially in the US where vegetable oil is commonly consumed. Other food sources of vitamin E include seeds, nuts, nut oils, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, canola oil, and broccoli.
Vitamin E studies suggest that it protects neurons in the brain from damage, especially after a stroke. It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. However, patients taking blood thinners or statin cholesterol medications should not increase their intake of vitamin E, unless advised to do so by a physician. Vitamin E can interfere with these medications because it is a natural anti-coagulant.
Vitamin K aids in blood coagulation, calcium absorption and calcium bonding. It is used as an osteoporosis treatment in Japan, but the long-term effects are still unknown. Studies have shown that vitamin K can actually inhibit nerve cell death caused by oxidative stress, so further studies are being conducted to determine if vitamin K would be beneficial in treating neurological diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also revealed benefits in protecting people from developing liver and prostate cancers. Vitamin K is currently used topically to treat bruises, rosacea, dark circles under the eyes, and spider veins.
Vitamin K is found in leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, and some fruits, such as kiwi and avocado. It is relatively easy to get vitamin K from these sources, if they are consumed in conjunction with fats. Fats allow the intestines to absorb vitamin K, but good flora bacteria are also necessary for absorption.
Like vitamin E, vitamin K can also interfere with the actions of blood thinners and statin medications. Signs of deficiency include anemia, bruising, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding gums, or bleeding nose.
Therefore, vitamin K deficiency is mainly seen in people that have been on antibiotics, have recently had a virus or infection that affected the intestine, people who have been on long-term aspirin therapy, and people who have had intestinal surgery.
Remember to ask your doctor about supplementing with vitamins before you start to avoid drug interactions. If you do take vitamins and supplements, you can buy vitamins, wholesale vitamins, or discount vitamins online to reduce the cost of supplementing.
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