Vitamin E: what it is and how it is used
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in nuts, seeds and plant oils, and it contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. On Mzansi Hub it appears in Hairon, a hair-nutrition supplement for men and women 35 and older.
Key takeaways
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados and plant oils.
- It contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- It is listed by the seller for Hairon alongside biotin, zinc, vitamin D3, folic acid and saw palmetto.
- Check the total amount if you already take other vitamins.
- Talk to your GP or pharmacist first if you take blood thinners.
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is the name for a group of fat-soluble compounds, with alpha-tocopherol being the best known. Fat-soluble means it dissolves in fat rather than water, so your body absorbs it best with a meal that contains some healthy fat.
Your body cannot make vitamin E, so it comes from food and, when needed, supplements.
What does vitamin E contribute to?
Authorised-style nutrient wording says vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the everyday wear that comes from sunlight, pollution and normal metabolism, and cells in the skin and hair follicles meet it constantly.
That role makes vitamin E a sensible addition to a formula focused on hair nutrition, where the aim is to nourish follicles.
Which foods contain vitamin E?
Vitamin E is easy to find in a South African kitchen. Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil are among the richest sources, and almonds, peanuts, avocados, spinach and wheat germ also contribute.
A handful of nuts or seeds a day, with a salad dressed in plant oil, is a simple way to include it.
- Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil
- Almonds and peanuts
- Avocado
- Spinach and leafy greens
- Wheat germ
Which Mzansi Hub product contains vitamin E?
Vitamin E is among the nutrients the seller lists for Hairon, a 30-capsule hair-nutrition supplement priced at R649. The label names saw palmetto, biotin, zinc and vitamin D3, and the seller also lists vitamin E and folic acid.
The seller describes Hairon as supporting healthy hair growth, strengthening hair strands and nourishing follicles. The directions are one capsule a day after a meal with a glass of water, completing the course.
Visit the Hairon product page for the order details, the FAQ and customer opinions.
How do I use vitamin E with care?
Take your capsule after a meal, as the seller directs, so that vitamin E is absorbed alongside food. If you already take a multivitamin, ask your pharmacist to check the combined amount of vitamin E.
Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take blood thinners, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an operation planned. Never stop or change prescribed tablets because you started a supplement.
Frequently asked questions
What does vitamin E contribute to?
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Which foods are high in vitamin E?
Sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, almonds, peanuts, avocados and spinach are all good sources.
Why take vitamin E after a meal?
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it is absorbed best alongside a meal that contains some fat. This is why the directions for Hairon say to take the capsule after a meal.
Which Mzansi Hub product has vitamin E?
Hairon, a hair-nutrition supplement priced at R649 for 30 capsules, lists vitamin E alongside biotin, zinc, vitamin D3, folic acid and saw palmetto.
Can I take vitamin E with blood thinners?
Speak to your GP or pharmacist first. Vitamin E can interact with blood thinners, so personal advice is wise.
