Vitamin E supplementation and its effects on fatigue and disease prevention

Supplements, Fatigue and Lethargy

DO THEY HELP?

Vitamin E (p 1- 1.5)

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant, which inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species or ROS when fat is oxidized (NIH, 2013). The body produces ROS when it converts food into energy. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E protects body cells from the ill effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules containing an unshared electron. They damage cells and contribute to the development of heart diseases and cancer. Unshared electrons are very active and quickly react with oxygen to form ROS. Health experts conjecture that limiting the production of free radicals may, alone or through other mechanisms, help prevent or delay the formation of these dreaded chronic diseases associated with the action of free radicals. Vitamin E may serve that function (NIH).

As an antioxidant, it also plays a role in the immune function of the body (NIH, 2013). In vitro studies of cells have illustrated its role in cell signaling, regulating gene expression and other metabolic processes. As Alpha-tocopherol, it inhibits the activity of the protein kinase C, which is an enzyme that participates in cell proliferation and differentiation of smooth muscle cells, platelets and monocytes. Alpha-tocopherol is its only form that is suitable for human needs (NIH).

The recommended intake of Vitamin E as well as other nutrients is developed by the Food and Nutrition Board and listed under the Dietary Reference Intakes (NIH, 2013). The intake depends on age and gender from 4-19 mg. The recommended dietary allowance for those 14 years old and older is 19 mg. The vitamin in the form of alpha-tocopherol has many food sources and best among them are nuts, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals. It is present in the American diets in the form of gamma tocopherol. It can be obtained from soybean, canola, corn and other vegetable oils and food products. Wheat germ oil is an excellent natural source (NIH).

Many have claimed that Vitamin E protects against coronary heart disease, cancer, eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration and cataract, and cognitive decline (NIH, 2013). Research says that healthy or slightly ill persons need not take Vitamin E supplements to increase cognitive abilities or retard aging. While no adverse effects have been shown from consuming the vitamin in food form, high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplements have, in some cases, caused hemorrhage, interrupted blood coagulation and platelets or inhibited blood coagulation in animals (NIH).

Unit 4: Supplements and Lethargy

Fred's Case

Rather than vitamin deficiency or any other deficiency, the cause of Fred's sudden lethargy, reduced coordination and slight confusion may be andropause (Bain, 2001). It is male menopause, which corresponds to women's menopause. This observation has attracted widespread attention in the last few years. It suggests that as men age, their testosterone levels, like women's hormones, gradually fall. The decline occurs sharply with every decade after 30 (Bain). This observation applies to Fred who is 69.

Research says that aging men start to experience new symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, weakness, fatigue, lethargy, insomnia, mood disorders, flushes and reduced motivation. Another symptom is the loss of bone density, which they may not realize or know until they suffer from a fracture. Aging men's testosterone levels decline as they age. At this stage, they usually need testosterone replacement therapy in order to reduce these symptoms. Present evidence suggests that treating men with these symptoms due to low testosterone will often raise their overall sense of well-being and quality of life and deal with lethargy, as in Fred's case (Bain).

A recent study was conducted to develop a rationale for treating aging men with these symptoms and whose testosterone levels are mildly-reduced or low-normal with testosterone replacement therapy (Bain, 2001). The study could not locate large-scale and multi-center prospective studies on the value of treating andropausal men with hormone therapy. This is because the whole discipline of hormone therapy was only a decade old when this study was conducted. It used physiologic, open uncontrolled studies of treatments, which have been assessed. These limited studies reveal that testorterone treatment has very few serious side effects (Bain).

When examining Fred, his physician should consider hypoandrogenism for his lethargy, reduced coordination, slight confusion and cognitive troubles (Bain, 2001). These are among the symptoms of andropause. The main cause of his reduced testosterone production is technically primary gonadal insufficiency. Andropause covers a complex of symptoms in aging men like Fred who now suffers from declining testosterone levels. His physician should be aware of this new experience, order the precise tests for it and treat them carefully (Bain).