How to Properly Dose Vitamin E for Different Age Groups

Q: How to Properly Dose Vitamin E for Different Age Groups

Dietitian Huang Shuli's response： Hello Mason, according to the revised Dietary Reference Intakes for Taiwanese citizens by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2002, the adequate intake of vitamin E for individuals aged 13 and older is 12 mg per day (equivalent to 13.2 IU), whi

Dosage of Vitamin E?

Recently, when we traveled abroad, my mother (60 years old) asked us to bring her Vitamin E.
We selected 1000 IU in four bottles.
How many capsules should she take each time? How often should she take them? Are there any special storage instructions? Should my grandmother (over 80 years old) take the same dosage? Thank you!

Mason, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/08/14

Dr. Huang Shuli reply Nutrition

Dietitian Huang Shuli's response: Hello Mason, according to the revised Dietary Reference Intakes for Taiwanese citizens by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2002, the adequate intake of vitamin E for individuals aged 13 and older is 12 mg per day (equivalent to 13.2 IU), while the upper limit for those aged 19 and older is 1000 mg per day (equivalent to 1100 IU).
Medical research indicates that vitamin E has properties that enhance immune system function, reduce the risk of heart disease, exhibit anti-cancer effects, and delay the onset of dementia.
However, long-term high-dose use can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, nausea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.
For the elderly, the safe daily dosage is between 200-400 IU.
If a supplement contains 1000 IU, taking two capsules per week is sufficient, but it is important to maintain a diet low in fats and high in fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it should be stored away from sunlight and high temperatures to prevent oxidation, and it should be used within its expiration date.
Please read the labels and instructions of the purchased products carefully.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2002/08/14

More Info

When it comes to the proper dosing of Vitamin E, especially for different age groups, it is essential to consider both the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and the potential risks associated with high doses. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in immune function, skin health, and acts as an antioxidant. However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects.

For adults, the RDA for Vitamin E is approximately 15 mg per day, which is equivalent to about 22.4 IU. However, the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults is set at 1,000 mg (or about 1,500 IU) per day. Given that your mother is 60 years old and you have purchased 1,000 IU capsules, it is important to approach the dosing carefully.

Recommended Dosage for Your Mother (60 years old)
For your mother, a daily intake of 1,000 IU is generally considered safe, but it is advisable to limit the intake to about 400 IU per day, especially if she is not experiencing any specific deficiencies. This means she could take one capsule every other day or two capsules per week. It is crucial to monitor her overall dietary intake of Vitamin E from food sources, as well as any other supplements she may be taking.

Recommended Dosage for Your Grandmother (80 years old)
For your grandmother, who is over 80, the recommended daily allowance is similar, but it is often suggested to keep the intake lower, around 200-400 IU per day, due to the increased risk of bleeding and other side effects associated with higher doses in older adults. Therefore, if she is taking the same 1,000 IU capsules, she should ideally take one capsule every five days or consider splitting the capsule if possible.

Frequency of Intake
In terms of frequency, both your mother and grandmother can benefit from taking Vitamin E a few times a week rather than daily, especially if they are consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which naturally contain Vitamin E.

Storage Recommendations
Vitamin E should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation. It is sensitive to light and heat, so keeping it in a tightly sealed container away from direct sunlight is essential. Always check the expiration date on the bottle and use it within the recommended time frame to ensure potency.

Conclusion
In summary, for your mother (60 years old), a dosage of 400 IU per day or 1,000 IU every other day is reasonable, while for your grandmother (80 years old), a lower intake of 200-400 IU per day is advisable. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for older adults, to ensure safety and appropriateness based on individual health conditions. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on their health status and dietary intake are also recommended.

Similar Q&A

How to Properly Take Vitamins: Timing and Combinations Explained

I currently have three types of vitamins and I'm unsure when to take them or if they can be taken together. Since I got them directly from a relative's factory, I'm not sure what the best way to take them is! 1. Vitamin E: Take one capsule after breakfast, and th...

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Since vitamins are organic compounds, whether they are water-soluble or fat-soluble, the best way to absorb them effectively is to consume them alongside other foods, with the ideal timing being after meals. Vitamin E is relatively non-toxic, but excessive amounts can inte...

Vitamin C: Which Form is Most Effective - Tablets, Capsules, or Effervescent?

Which form of vitamin C is more effective: tablets, capsules, or effervescent tablets? Also, what does the different milligram (mg) dosage indicate? There are many options available on the market, and I've heard that capsules are more effective—is that true?

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology
Hello: Effervescent tablets: These are formulated with vitamins and minerals into effervescent tablets that can be dissolved in water within minutes, avoiding the stability issues of conventional vitamin solutions during storage. To use, simply add the effervescent tablet to appr...

Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 85 years old and generally in good health with very few illnesses. Recently, she accidentally fell and has some difficulty walking, but she is very resistant to seeing a doctor. She purchased iron supplements and cal...

Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding older adults, their metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate tend to decrease with age. All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, must be metabolized by the liver or kidneys. Therefore, the dosage for el...

Can Seniors Safely Take Regular Multivitamins? Expert Advice

Hello Dr. Chuang: I bought some multivitamins in Canada for my parents, but later I found out that I purchased regular multivitamins, which are not suitable for individuals over 50 years old. Can my parents take these?

Dr. Zhuang Jiaming reply Family Medicine
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here is my response and suggestions: The difference between general multivitamins and those specifically designed for seniors is not significant. Older adults can also take multivitamins to supplement any deficiencies in their diet. Therefore, ...