Vitamin E Skin

Q: Why is vitamin E 200 IU the dosage used on most supplements?

A: Not all supplements use 200 IU, but the reason you see it so frequently is that is many currently consider to be an appropriate daily dosage. However it’s important to realize that it is an amount far above the U.S. government’s recommended daily allowance for adults, which is 22.5 IU (international units).

Is it safe to take large doses of vitamin E?
That depends on what your definition of “large” is, but it is known that taking excessively large amounts can be harmful. One of the reasons for this is because it is a fat soluble vitamin. So unlike a water soluble vitamin (such as C) which leaves your body when you urinate, vitamin E can accumulate in your body.

Therefore taking high doses over and over may cause a build up. In fact, dosages of 1000 mg have been linked to blood clotting and hemorrhaging. Some studies have even concluded that 400 IU is too high. However the National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, has stated that the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for vitamin E is 1,500 IU for adults, age 19 and older.
The reason vitamin E 200 IU is so popular is because many believe it’s a good amount that is not too much but not too little.
The only way to know for sure what dosage is right for you is to speak with your doctor. We all have different needs depending on our bodies.

An Important Note About Vitamin E 200 IU (and other dosages)
Did you know that most supplements use an artificial form which is actually made from petroleum? This artificial form is known as DL-alpha tocopherol. This is what is almost always found in both multi’s and E supplements. This synthetic form is said to be inferior because it is not biologically active and does not stay in the body nearly as long as the natural form.

Our bodies use a form known as D-alph tocopherol  – the natural vitamin E form). This is the “raw” form of E that is found in natural sources. The natural vitamin E complex actually consists of eight fat soluble compounds! This is why more and more people are turning to natural vitamin supplements, also known as whole food vitamins.