At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Polish scientist Funk first discovered specific substances, without which the human body cannot properly grow and develop. These compounds were called vitamins and divided into 2 groups: water and fat soluble. To date, only four main fat-soluble vitamins are known: A, D, E, K. Vitamin E, or as it is called in another way, tocopherol, is the most powerful antioxidant among all vitamins. Modern medical research indicates a significant prospect of this vitamin in the treatment of various serious diseases and even cancer. In specialized online pharmacies, you can tentatively find out the correct dosage of tocopherol acetate, a description of the drug. Instructions for use provide more complete information about the medicine.
The effect of tocopherol on the body
Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants. This determines the breadth of its use for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. The very concept of “antioxidant” is deciphered as a substance that prevents the oxidation of other compounds with corresponding changes in their characteristics.
The human body is a fairly dynamic chemical laboratory, where various reactions occur, and oxidation is most often. A specific subspecies is distinguished - lipid peroxidation (lipid peroxidation), which consists in the attachment of peroxides to various components of the cell wall or organelles with a change in their functions. FLOOR is especially intensively developed during inflammation, trauma, dystrophic processes and irradiation of the body. A peculiarity of the effect of tocopherol is the binding of a certain mass of peroxide radicals, due to which the damaging effect of the latter is reduced. Thus, vitamin E acts as a protector of cells and certain chemical compounds of endogenous metabolism. Fat-soluble vitamin is actively involved in tissue respiration, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, protein synthesis and the main component of hemoglobin - heme.
Tocopherol acetate will help protect and restore the reproductive system of both men and women. Instructions for use in surgery provide for more effective healing of wounds, burns and injuries during treatment with vitamin E. Tocopherol, together with vitamin A, increases the resistance of mucous membranes to viruses and bacteria, and is a prophylactic for Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin E is one of the factors in the restoration of peripheral circulation and the formation of red blood cells.
Release Forms
All fat-soluble vitamins to preserve properties and better absorption are available in the form of oil mixtures. Alpha tocopherol is available as a 5%, 10% or 30% oral solution or as tablets coated with a gelatin capsule. An alternative form is intramuscular injection, which is used for debilitated patients and young children.
Indications for Vitamin E
The first and most relevant indication for the use of tocopherol is hypovitaminosis, which most often occurs in the spring. A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant is included in the treatment of muscular dystrophy and dermatomyositis, Dupuytren's contracture, amyotrophic sclerosis. In dermatology, with various dermatoses and psoriasis, scleroderma, tocopherol is prescribed. Instructions for use of the vitamin indicate the effectiveness of the treatment of menstrual irregularities and infertility in men. With the threat of miscarriage in pregnant women, tocopherol is almost always prescribed. The instructions for the use of the antioxidant describe its effect as an antispasmodic for narrowing of peripheral vessels and atherosclerosis.
It performs a cardioprotective effect in various forms of dystrophy of the heart muscle. Peripheral neuropathies and degenerative processes in the liver are also referred to pathologies in which tocopherol is recommended.
Instructions for the use of vitamin E indicate that it minimizes the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and helps restore tissue after a short radiation exposure.
How to use tocopherol acetate
The dose and frequency of administration is determined by the doctor. Immediately after buying the drug, you should correctly calculate the dose of vitamin. Since solutions are 5, 10 and 30%, the amount of tocopherol in 1 milliliter should be determined in grams. For a 5% solution, this is 0.05 g, for 10% - 0.1 g and for 30% - 0.3 g. For the treatment of muscular dystrophies and amyotrophic sclerosis, the daily norm should be from 0.05 to 0.1 g. The course lasts at least 1 month with a repeat in 60-90 days. With violations of spermatogenesis and infertility in men, the dose is from 0.1 to 0.3 g per day. Estimated duration of the course is 1 month. With the threat of abortion, the medicine is used for 7-14 days in a daily dose of 0.1-0.15 g per day. Vascular pathology and myocardial dystrophy are treated with tocopherol acetate at a dose of 0.1 g per day. The duration of treatment is up to 45 days with a possible repeat in six months.
As for the capsules, the average dose is 2-3 per day. In this case, 1 capsule contains 5 mg of alpha-tocopherol. The instruction for the use of vitamin E for the fight against hypovitaminosis recommends coordinating the dose with the doctor, due to its variability (from 10 to 30 mg / day.).
Possible side effects
The instructions for the drug indicate only the possibility of developing allergic reactions after taking vitamin E. It should be remembered that allergies can occur as a minor rash or runny nose, and shortness of breath and even anaphylactic shock. With severe side effects, tocopherol should be immediately withdrawn. Instructions for use of the drug warns of the possibility of the occurrence of infiltrates after injections of vitamin E. This symptom occurs relatively rarely and does not require specific treatment. You just need to change the injection site often and have a light massage of the infiltrate by the time it disappears.
Is an overdose of vitamin E possible
Cases of overdose are rare, but its symptoms are quite nonspecific. Patients report nausea, visual disturbances, headache. Often against this background, thrombophlebitis and even hemorrhagic stroke can develop. If you noted the indicated symptoms, you need to urgently consult a doctor and cancel tocopherol. Instructions for use of the drug indicate the symptomatic treatment of an overdose in a hospital setting.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity is a contraindication to taking the drug, so it is advisable to immediately forget what tocopherol acetate is. Instructions for use describe similar reactions of the body as photodermatitis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, or any type of allergic reaction.
The interaction of vitamin E with other medicines
A fat-soluble antioxidant is undesirable to use in combination with drugs that have an alkaline pH, as well as compounds based on iron and silver. These funds significantly weaken the absorption of vitamin A, as a result of which the treatment is not entirely effective.
Average prices for tocopherol in pharmacies
The approximate price of vitamin E in 5 mg capsules is 35-45 rubles. for 10 capsules.
Alpha-tocopherol 30% solution (in a 50 ml vial) can be purchased for 67-120 rubles.
Vitamin E for Athletes
Tocopherol is increasingly being used as part of a special diet for athletes and bodybuilders. Its use is associated with the property of the vitamin to improve peripheral blood circulation, which is very important for muscle growth, as well as recovery from minor injuries. The inhibition of peroxidation enhances metabolic processes and better absorption of proteins, which takes every experienced professional athlete. In addition, alpha-tocopherol improves the metabolism of the heart muscle, which is one of the conditions for significant physical endurance.
In most cases, the diet of a professional athlete cannot provide an adequate supply of this vitamin to the body. Therefore, you should replenish its supply with tableted forms of the antioxidant. The dosage is quite individual and specific for different types of sports, which is taken into account by a sports doctor, prescribing tocopherol. Instructions for use, the price and natural sources of vitamin E, which are given in the article, will help athletes to independently choose the best way to replenish the body with this antioxidant.
Natural springs
To replace tablets or injections of tocopherol, you can use the products in which it is most. This applies in particular to the germ of cereals, nuts and unrefined oils. Vitamin E can be found in sufficient amounts in egg yolks, liver, butter, and cheese. By including these foods in your diet, you prevent vitamin E deficiency and improve the condition of the nervous system, skin and hair.