Content
One of the most important elements for the human body, Vitamin E performs many functions and, above all, protects the cell wall from chemical and mechanical destruction. In order to prevent a deficiency of the beneficial vitamin in the body, you should drink it additionally, following the instructions. Before giving medications containing this element, you should consult your doctor to understand why vitamin E is needed.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble organic substance from the class of vitamins. The term "tocopherol" is of Greek origin and means "to bring life." It is a combination of four esters - tocopherols and four tocotrienols. This compound includes 7 vitamins, which are distinguished from each other by their biological activity on animal cells. Among them, the most active form is alpha-tocopherol.
Vitamin E is a stable compound that maintains its integrity when high temperatures food processing, dehydration, canning with salt. At the same time, it is highly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so products containing this substance should be stored in dark thick glass containers or in a dark place.
Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by Herbert Evans and Catherine Scott Bishop. The experiments they conducted showed that rats that ate exclusively animal products lost their ability to reproduce after some time. The restoration of the reproductive system occurred after the introduction of lettuce leaves and vegetable oil into the diet. From this, scientists concluded that a certain “X” factor contained in plant products is a very important component of food.
Vitamin E is a unique protective element against oxidative damage. It occupies a certain position in the cell membrane, thereby preventing the contact of oxygen with unsaturated fatty acids, and forms hydrophobic complexes that protect cell membranes from destruction. In addition, it has strong antioxidant properties due to the presence of free radicals in its composition.
Since Vitamin E is a vital compound, there is a specific daily requirement that is determined based on a person's gender, age, and overall health. The daily dose of vitamin E is as follows:
Vitamin E is found in large quantities in plant foods. The vitamin content in products depends, first of all, on the climate in which a particular plant is grown. The largest amount of tocopherol is found in wheat germ oil (400 mg) and nuts. Approximate tocopherol content in some foods:
Products |
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Wheat germ oil |
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Soybean oil |
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Cottonseed oil |
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Margarine |
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Walnuts |
Vitamins of group E belong to the group of fat-soluble substances. This means that tocopherol molecules can be incorporated into the membrane of animal cells only in combination with lipids of animal or plant origin. For normal absorption with foods containing tocopherol, it is necessary to eat fatty foods. Vegetable fats reduce the need for concentration of synthetic analogues, active additives for additional intake in cases of tocopherol deficiency and fat-soluble antioxidants.
The first sign of vitamin deficiency and insufficiency is muscle weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Children who suffer from tocopherol deficiency from infancy lag behind in physical and mental development. In addition, in children under one year of age, a lack of tocopherol can cause rickets, dermatitis, psoriasis, and muscle tissue dystrophy. Premature babies suffer from retinopathy.
With insufficient consumption of this substance, hemolysis of red blood cells occurs (destruction of red blood cells), and stable hemolytic anemia develops. Hypovitaminosis of tocopherol contributes to the destruction of fibers of the peripheral nervous system, which leads to impaired motor function and a decrease in pain sensitivity of the skin. Lack of consumption in women can cause menstrual irregularities and increase the risk of early miscarriage.
Vitamin E helps the intestines absorb retinol and, if it is insufficient, leads to deficiency (hypovitaminosis) of vitamin A, which is manifested by dry skin, decreased visual acuity, hair loss, and decreased resistance of the immune system. Lack of fat absorption can also lead to hypovitaminosis of vitamins A and E. In old age, daily tocopherol hypovitaminosis provokes the development and accelerates the aging of the body. Lack of tocopherol is responsible for the progression of atherosclerosis.
During clinical studies and experiments, it turned out that Vitamin E plays an important role in the functioning of the human body. Main beneficial properties:
Vitamin E is of particular importance for women. It reduces the rate of development of pigmentation on the skin, allowing the female body to maintain youth. Vitamin E capsules are prescribed for the treatment of infertility and menopause. In cases of severe stress, decreased immunity, and ovarian dysfunction, Vitamin E helps restore the normal menstrual cycle. Many cosmetic companies add derivatives of this element to their creams to better nourish and moisturize dry skin.
Women during pregnancy are not recommended to take Vitamin E without a doctor's prescription. Vitamin E in oil can provoke placental abruption in the second trimester and thrombosis of the umbilical cord vessels in the later stages. There are cases where use in large doses caused severe bleeding in girls. Doctors attribute this effect to the presence of a specific protein in women during pregnancy.
Vitamin E for children is used for the normal development of muscular and skeletal systems, ligamentous apparatus. The compound promotes mental development and preservation of reflexes. In newborns with insufficiently developed body functions, the vitamin accelerates tissue differentiation, promotes the rapid gain of fat mass, and promotes the maturation of the respiratory system, especially lung tissue.
With a deficiency of tocopherol, toxins accumulate in cells, which have a negative effect on the quality of seed material (sperm). The deficiency causes the development of secondary male infertility and early impotence. If there is insufficient Vitamin E in the diet, toxic substances and dead cells reduce the absorption of other microelements in the intestine.
Name |
Cost at the pharmacy, rubles |
|
capsules in a jelly shell, containing retinol and tocopherol in equal proportions. Orally 1-2 times a day before meals |
120 (for 30 capsules) |
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capsules for oral administration, contain dissolved vitamin E |
from 132 (for 30 capsules of 100 mg) |
|
oval-shaped multivitamin tablets or yellow capsules, prescribed for the prevention of varicose veins |
460 (for 30 tablets) |
|
Doppelhertz Active Vitamin E Forte |
solution, used for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, administered orally 1 capsule/day before meals |
238 (for 30 capsules) |
Vitamin E is used for hypovitaminosis, rehabilitation therapy after illnesses, asthenic syndrome, neurasthenia, degenerative changes in joint tissue, inflammatory diseases of ligaments and muscles, and impaired absorption of retinol. Tocopherol is indicated for use in premature newborns with low body weight, with protein diets to restore muscle mass. Such pharmacological agents are prescribed for disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism; in addition, they promote the absorption of magnesium.
In case of insufficient consumption in food or in small quantities of plant foods, preparations containing natural tocopherol or an artificially synthesized vitamin are prescribed. Your doctor will tell you in detail how to take vitamin E. The use of synthetic medications without a doctor's prescription can provoke symptoms of hypervitaminosis. When taking medications, you must follow the dosage.
Among the natural products containing Vitamin E are oils. They are added to the general diet, as salad dressings, additives for porridge or other dishes. It is not recommended to heat oils enriched with vitamins (baking or frying) - this leads to the destruction of bonds between molecules and a decrease beneficial properties product. Oils increase the need for carbohydrates and proteins.
Vitamin E capsules are widely used to treat not only vitamin deficiency, but also when there is a shortage of other fat-soluble drugs. Pharmacological preparations made in the form of capsules, as a rule, contain several groups of fat-soluble vitamins at a time for intensive support of the body during exacerbations of chronic diseases and vitamin deficiencies.
Medicines in drops are used to treat vitamin deficiency in children. Drops containing tocopherol contain a smaller amount of the active component, which helps to avoid an overdose of the vitamin. For adults, doctors prescribe drops when the insufficient content is not acute and the medication is taken as a preventive measure.
The use of injections for the administration of drugs containing tocopherol is, as a rule, carried out only during inpatient treatment. This is due to the increased concentration of vitamin B medicines, which are used for acute vitamin deficiency, for example, in newborns or premature infants, vitamin deficiency due to severe malnutrition. It is not recommended for self-use due to the high risk of infection of soft tissues during injection.
Tocopherol is a strong compound and can have negative effects on the body. Tocopherol has some contraindications for use:
In addition, individual intolerance to tocopherol and allergic reactions of primary and secondary types may be contraindications for use. An allergy can occur both after the first use and some time after the substance enters the body. It can be expressed by anaphylactic shock, rash, itching, chronic conjunctivitis. People suffering from alcohol and drug addiction should take the vitamin with caution.
Among the side effects of long-term use of tocopherol, when excess vitamin accumulates in the body, there are two types: those associated directly with the intake of the vitamin and those caused by additional compounds contained in preparations that include tocopherol (retinol, vegetable oil, molecules gland).
With tocopherol hypervitaminosis: itching, rash, dizziness, weakness. Side effects of the second group include: nausea, vomiting, bleeding gums, impaired reproductive function (fertility) in women, jaundice of non-viral etiology.
Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!Vitamin E is one of the important compounds for children, and its lack can lead to problems with metabolic processes and immunity. It is also manifested by a decrease in activity and disturbances in the growth of the child, so this vitamin must be supplied to the child’s body every day with food or with vitamin preparations.
Moreover, before purchasing a multivitamin complex or vitamin E preparation, each mother should find out whether the lack of such a compound can be compensated for with food and how to properly use pharmaceutical supplements with vitamin E.
This vitamin, also called tocopherol, is a fat-soluble substance that has the following effect on the body:
Vitamin E should be supplied to the child’s body daily, depending on age, in the following quantities:
Doctors also identify groups of children whose vitamin E needs are increased:
Tocopherol is found in various products - both animal origin (from which it is absorbed better) and plant origin. Breastfed babies receive this vitamin from mother's milk, and bottle-fed babies receive this vitamin from a formula enriched with vitamins. When the time comes to introduce complementary foods, the baby begins to receive tocopherol from the new food that he tries.
To prevent an older child from experiencing a lack of vitamin E, his diet should include:
Mothers should remember that heat treatment leads to partial destruction of this vitamin. For this reason, it is best to add vegetable oils to prepared dishes, nuts should not be offered to children fried, and cooking vegetables should be short.
All additives containing tocopherol as an ingredient can be divided into one-component(contains only vitamin E) and multi-component(includes other vitamins, mineral salts and other ingredients). Vitamin E in their composition can be natural or artificial. Tocopherol from natural sources is believed to be twice as effective as the synthetic version.
The drugs are produced in different forms - capsules, chewable lozenges, liquid oil solution, syrup. For infants, supplements in drops are more preferable, since they are more convenient to dose at an early age, and lozenges and vitamin E capsules are given to children over six years of age who are able to swallow them.
Often sick children are recommended to take complexes in which vitamin E is combined with ascorbic acid and vitamin A. To prevent tocopherol deficiency, a child can be given complexes Pikovit, Alphabet, Supradin, Vitrum, Sana-sol, Multi-tabs and others.
Drugs in which tocopherol is the main component are prescribed only for hypovitaminosis of this substance, which is confirmed by a blood test. Only a doctor should prescribe such vitamin supplements in childhood.
Vitamin supplements containing tocopherol are not given if you are intolerant to any of their components. Also, vitamin E supplements should not be given to children with iron deficiency anemia, since tocopherol can worsen their condition. In case of serious illnesses and problems with blood clotting, the use of vitamin E should be cautious.
Vitamin supplements in drops are dosed using a pipette, and lozenges and capsules are given to the child to chew or swallow during meals. It is important to follow the dosage recommended by your doctor and do not forget about the age restrictions specified in the instructions for the drug.
Most people have heard or know that vitamin E is beneficial for the human body. This is the main antioxidant that enters the body with food and affects the immune system. Is it good for children? In this article we will tell you whether a child needs vitamin E and in what quantities.
This vitamin is scientifically called tocopherol - it is a fat-soluble substance. This means that if you take it on an empty stomach with just water, there will be no benefit.
When consumed sufficiently, it has the following effects:
By consuming enough vitamin E, the child will develop fully, be active and healthy.
For the normal development of a child’s body, it is important not just the intake of any vitamins, but their consumption in optimal quantities.
The following daily vitamin E levels have been established for children depending on age:
There are groups with an increased need for vitamin E. Children in this category include:
A lack of vitamin E has serious negative consequences for the child's body, especially premature babies.
Among them it is worth mentioning:
All of the above problems can be treated with timely administration of vitamin E for children in any form. In this case, you need to take into account that some breast milk substitutes may hinder the absorption of the vitamin due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in them. Also, some gastrointestinal diseases can cause poor digestibility.
Against the background of vitamin deficiency and stimulation of the normal development of the child, it is necessary to pay close attention to the baby’s nutrition. The menu should contain foods rich in vitamin E and cover the daily requirement for it every day.
In the first stages of life, naturally-fed babies receive vitamin E from breast milk, while artificially-fed babies receive vitamin E from fortified formulas. At an older age - with the addition of complementary foods and when switching to regular food - drawing up the correct diet becomes relevant.
Children consume vitamin E in the following products:
You should know that a significant part of the vitamins is lost during heat treatment. Therefore, oils must be added to ready-made dishes, and nuts must be raw.
All types of vitamin release are divided into:
The drug is available in several forms:
Vitamin E drops for children are given from birth to three years of age, syrup - up to six years, and lozenges and capsules are perfect for children from six years of age.
Children who are weakened or often get sick are prescribed complex preparations in which vitamin E is combined with vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Effective representatives of this group of products are “Multi-tabs”, “Sana-sol”, “Vitrum”, “Supradin”, “Alphabet”, “Pikovit”.
Tocopherol is available in natural (labeled “d”) or synthetic (labeled “dl”) form, but its effectiveness in the first case is considered to be twice as effective. An oil solution of vitamin E can be given to children not only internally, but also used as an external remedy.
Preparations where tocopherol is the main component are taken only as prescribed by a doctor and in the case of vitamin E hypovitaminosis, confirmed by a blood test.
The drug is indicated as part of a multivitamin in the following cases:
According to the instructions, vitamin E - or its complex preparations - should not be given to children if there is intolerance to any of their components. It is also not recommended to take such drugs for children suffering from iron deficiency anemia or poor blood clotting in order to avoid worsening their condition.
It should be remembered that an overdose of tocopherol can cause:
According to the instructions for use, vitamin E is measured in drops for children using a pipette, and the child should chew or swallow capsules and lozenges during or after meals (preferably breakfast). It is imperative to follow the dosage recommended by the therapist.
If you consume vitamin E in excess, no significant changes in the functioning of the body will occur, since the excess amount of the substance will be excreted in the bile. But significantly exceeding the dose leads to digestive disorders, hormonal disorders, headaches, weakness, and blurred vision. If such symptoms occur, the tocopherol drug is discontinued and the child is shown to a doctor.
If a vitamin E deficiency is detected, the child’s diet must be adjusted taking into account the following conditions:
To determine how much tocopherol enters the body, a blood test is performed. With sufficient intake of vitamin E, plasma levels should not be less than 0.4 mg%. If the result is underestimated, the diet is enriched with appropriate products or the doctor will prescribe a drug for therapy.
Vitamin E is the most important substance for children and it is necessary to monitor how much of it enters the child’s body. It is important to remember that both a lack and an excess of this compound are harmful to the child’s body. With a sufficient supply of this vitamin, children develop normally, and their immunity is strengthened.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin. It was discovered in 1922 and is number five in alphabetical classification, which is why it has the title of vitamin E.
The amount of vitamin E is usually measured in international units (IU).
The daily requirement for vitamin E for children of the first year of life is 3-5 mg, for children 1-6 years old - 5-7 mg, 7-17 years old - 10-15 mg, men and women - 10 mg, for pregnant and nursing mothers - 10-14 mg.
Vitamin E is called today the most “female” vitamin and is prescribed to women in preparation for pregnancy and during pregnancy itself. Why? What has earned him an excellent reputation in the field of human reproduction and reproduction?
It turns out that vitamin E increases the function of the genital organs in women (especially during pregnancy) and men, and restores the imbalanced balance of hormones, for example, the production of progesterone and estrogens. Vitamin E is widely used for disorders of the menstrual cycle in girls, it perfectly helps the infantile uterus to become more mature and developed, is used for late onset of menstrual function, and treats existing ovarian dysfunction.
In addition, vitamin E also helps greatly in maintaining an existing pregnancy. Vitamin E is similar to progesterone, therefore, in a state of non-pregnancy, it is prescribed in the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle - in the progesterone phase. It is this hormone that maintains pregnancy throughout pregnancy, stabilizes and improves the maturation and stable functioning of the placenta - the central and main organ of communication between mother and fetus. It normalizes and stabilizes the condition of the blood vessels of the placenta, protecting it from abruption and other dysfunctions.
But the role of vitamin E is not limited to just controlling reproductive function.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E deficiency leads to metabolic disorders, a decrease in the ability of blood to transmit oxygen, and the development of local oxygen starvation. With insufficient intake of vitamin E, increased destruction of red blood cells is observed, associated with a violation of the stability of their membranes.
The first and earliest sign, which appears quite quickly with insufficient intake of vitamin E from food and excess intake of unsaturated fatty acids, is muscular dystrophy. Skeletal muscle dystrophy is considered the most universal manifestation of vitamin E deficiency.
When treated with vitamin E, it is also possible to develop hypervitaminosis, in which thrombocytopenia and hypocoagulation are noted, weakening of twilight vision due to antagonism with vitamin A, dyspepsia, hypoglycemia, weakness, headache, muscle cramps.
Tocopherol is the main antioxidant in food. In addition to vitamin E, the most commonly known antioxidants are vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Vitamin E present in many foods, and fats and oils are especially rich in it. In particular, it is found in nuts, oils, spinach, seeds, whole grains, salmon, liver, egg yolk and milk.
Vitamin E very sensitive to heat treatment, oxygen and light. Therefore, when cooking food, up to 55% of this beneficial substance is lost. There is a lot of this vitamin in plant foods, especially in vegetable oils. But tocopherol is most fully absorbed from animal products.
Ideas for your child's menu:
Health to your kids!
A fatty environment is required. Its storage place in the body is adipose tissue, liver and muscles. It has many beneficial qualities, the most significant of which is antioxidant. Thanks to tocopherol, cells are protected from the harmful effects of free radicals.
What else is vitamin useful for:
With age, the need for vitamin E changes. In premature or low-weight newborns, as well as children with gastrointestinal pathologies, for example, cystic fibrosis, the need for tocopherol increases.
Daily intake of vitamin E for children by age:
Vitamin E is indirectly related to the immune system. Its deficiency leads to a decrease in the body's protective functions and susceptibility to viral, infectious and other diseases. A lack of vitamin E is dangerous for newly born babies. May cause the development of hemolytic anemia or retinal damage. Teenagers need tocopherol for the proper development of the reproductive system. Vitamin deficiency causes acne on the face.
External signs of vitamin E deficiency are difficult to recognize. To diagnose hypovitaminosis, it is necessary to take blood and urine tests.
Common symptoms of vitamin E deficiency in children:
You can compensate for the lack of vitamin E with the help of certain foods. Most tocopherol is found in plant foods, but it is better absorbed from animal products.
Product category | Product | Vitamin E content (mg, per 100 g) |
Vegetable oil | Soy | 114 |
Corn | 100 | |
Cotton | 90 | |
Sunflower | 67 | |
Linen | 27 | |
Peanut | 14 | |
Olive | 12 | |
Cereals, legumes | Wheat grains (sprouted) | 25 |
Oats | 19 | |
Corn | 10 | |
Peas | 9 | |
Wheat | 6,5 | |
Buckwheat | 6 | |
Rye | 5,3 | |
Beans | 3,8 | |
Nuts | Almond | 24,6 |
Hazelnut | 20,4 | |
Peanut | 10,1 | |
Pistachios | 6 | |
Cashew | 5,7 | |
Walnuts | 2,6 | |
Berries, dried fruits, greens | Dried apricots | 5,5 |
Sea buckthorn | 5 | |
Rose hip | 3,8 | |
Spinach | 2,5 | |
Kalina | 2 | |
Sorrel | 2 | |
Prunes | 1,8 | |
Parsley | 1,8 | |
Animal products | Squid | 2,2 |
Eggs | 2 | |
Salmon | 1,8 | |
Zander | 1,8 | |
Liver | 1,3 | |
Herring | 1,2 | |
Beef | 0,57 | |
Sour cream (30 percent) | 0,55 | |
Pork | 0,54 | |
Cottage cheese | 0,38 | |
Cheese | 0,3-0,5 | |
Milk | 0,04-0,09 |
Taking medications with tocopherol is indicated for the following diseases:
Tocopherol can be taken orally or applied directly to problem areas of the body. It is perfectly absorbed through the skin. Vitamin deficiency or acute vitamin deficiency in the body is treated with injections.
Vitamin E can be found in the pharmacy under the name Tocopherol acetate in the form of an oil solution in various dosages. For those who cannot tolerate oil, vitamin tablets or chewable lozenges are suitable, while drops are prescribed for newborns and children under 3 years of age.
Tocopherol release forms:
Vitamin E can be purchased as a stand-alone product or in combination with other beneficial substances. The most popular multivitamins containing tocopherol: Aevit, Pikovit, Alphabet, Sana-sol, Supradin, Vitrum, Vita Mishki, Multi-tabs. For infants, an oil solution of vitamin E in drops is more suitable, which is convenient to dose using a pipette.
To treat hypovitaminosis E, doctors often prescribe vitamin E in red capsules. They contain an oily liquid containing synthetic vitamin E. The substance is fully adapted to all the needs of the human body and is effective for diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, for various pathologies in the reproductive system of men and women, and during pregnancy.
detailed instructions instructions for use are attached to any preparation with vitamin E. Vitamins must be taken strictly according to the schedule to avoid overdose and side effects.
It is recommended that infants take vitamin E drops. Up to six months, the dose is 3 mg; from 6 months to 3 years, the dosage increases to 4 mg. The drug should be given before feeding in the morning, 1 time per day. The drops need to be dissolved in a teaspoon of warm boiled water.
10 drops from an eye dropper of 5, 10 and 30 percent oil solution contain vitamin E - 10, 20 and 65 mg, respectively
Taking vitamin E capsules is allowed for children over six years of age. Also, from this age, you can take the vitamin in tablets or in the form of chewable lozenges.
The risk of allergic reactions and side effects after taking vitamin preparations in a child is much higher than in an adult. Therefore, vitamins should be given with caution, carefully observing the body’s reaction.
Contraindications to taking tocopherol are intolerance to the components of the drug, iron deficiency anemia, diseases of the blood and cardiovascular systems, frequent bleeding (epistaxis or others).
Preparations with fat-soluble vitamins, which include tocopherol, should be given with caution, as they accumulate in the body and it is easy to get an excess.
A slight excess of the dose most often does not cause severe reactions. But long-term use of large dosages of vitamin E can lead to excess and increased blood pressure, bleeding, bleeding disorders, and convulsions. An overdose of vitamin E leads to gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea.
Tocopherol should not be taken together with iron-containing medications. They neutralize each other. If you have iron deficiency anemia, it is recommended to avoid taking vitamin E for at least two hours. Tocopherol also reduces the production and absorption of vitamin K.
The most successful combinations of tocopherol and other substances:
The best combination to enhance immunity is a complex of vitamins E, A and C. Therefore, if a child is often sick, it is necessary to select medications containing these three substances
Vitamin E has many properties that benefit humans. But if you take vitamin preparations incorrectly, the beneficial qualities can turn harmful.
Tocopherol is recommended by doctors for runny noses in children. The substance does not dry out the mucous membrane, moisturizes, and the therapeutic effect occurs in 3-5 days. Instilling vitamin E into a child’s nose requires 2-3 drops in each nostril several times a day for five days.
A lack of vitamin E in childhood can lead to various troubles - decreased immunity, abnormal development, and the appearance of other pathologies and diseases. To avoid this, you need to provide your baby with proper nutrition, and if you suspect a lack of vitamin in the body, consult a doctor.
You can find out in the video below useful information about vitamin E.