Vitamin E vs. colds.Vitamin E vitamin E or tocopherol Fat-soluble organic compound found principally in certain plant oils and leaves of green vegetables. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in body tissues and may prolong life by slowing oxidative destruction of membranes. may help prevent colds, at least in the elderly. Researchers gave synthetic vitamin E (200 IU of dl-alpha-tocopherol) or a placebo to 451 nursing home residents aged 65 to 103 (the average was 85). All participants also got a multi-vitamin that contained half the recommended daily allowance for most nutrients. After one year, the vitamin E takers were 19 percent less likely to have caught a cold than the placebo takers. Vitamin E had no impact on bronchitis bronchitis (brŏnkī`tĭs), inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections or by allergic reactions to irritants such as tobacco smoke. , ear infections, flu-like infections, pneumonia pneumonia (n  mōn`yə), acute infection of one or both lungs that can be caused by a bacterium, usually Streptococcus pneumoniae , sinus infections, or sore throats Sore Throat DefinitionSore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza. . What to do: Although these results are promising, one study isn't enough to prove that vitamin E prevents colds in older people, much less others. Taking 200 IU of vitamin E is probably safe, since 1,100 IU a day causes no adverse effects. People who take blood thinning drugs should check with their physician, though, since too much vitamin E may cause bleeding. J. Amer. Med. Assoc. 292: 828, 2004. |
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