Does vitamin e thin your blood
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Does Vitamin E Thin Your Blood?
Introduction to Vitamin E and Blood Health
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. It is often discussed in the context of cardiovascular health, immune function, and skin health. However, its effects on blood properties, particularly whether it thins the blood, are less commonly understood.
Vitamin E and Blood Viscosity
Research has shown that Vitamin E can influence the rheology, or flow properties, of blood. A study investigating the effects of a Vitamin E-bonded hemodialyzer on patients undergoing hemodialysis found significant improvements in the viscosity of red blood cells (RBCs). The study reported that the viscosity of RBCs decreased significantly in patients using the Vitamin E-bonded membrane compared to those using a standard cellulose membrane 1. This suggests that Vitamin E can improve blood flow properties, potentially making the blood less viscous.
Antioxidant Properties and Blood Health
Vitamin E's antioxidant properties are well-documented and contribute to its effects on blood health. By reducing oxidative stress, Vitamin E can help maintain the integrity of blood cells and improve their function. This was evident in a study that showed Vitamin E supplementation led to decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, in women with implantation failure 3. Lower oxidative stress can improve overall blood health and potentially reduce the risk of clot formation.
Vitamin E and Atherosclerosis
Another aspect of Vitamin E's impact on blood health is its role in reducing atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The same study on hemodialysis patients found that the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries, a marker of atherosclerosis, significantly decreased in the group using the Vitamin E-bonded hemodialyzer 1. This reduction in atherosclerosis can indirectly contribute to improved blood flow and reduced blood viscosity.
Conclusion
While Vitamin E does not directly "thin" the blood in the same way that anticoagulant medications do, it does improve blood flow properties by reducing the viscosity of red blood cells and decreasing oxidative stress. These effects can contribute to better overall blood health and potentially lower the risk of clot formation. Therefore, Vitamin E can be considered beneficial for maintaining healthy blood flow, although it should not be used as a substitute for prescribed blood-thinning medications.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin E-bonded hemodialyzer improves atherosclerosis associated with a rheological improvement of circulating red blood cells.
Vitamin E-bonded hemodialyzer improves atherosclerosis and rheology of circulating red blood cells, potentially reducing the need for EPO in treating anemia in ESRD patients.
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Highly CitedEffect of Malaria on Blood Levels of Vitamin E: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Vitamin E levels are significantly reduced in malaria patients compared to uninfected individuals, with a more pronounced decrease observed in severe cases, but the type of malaria parasite does not influence these levels.
Meta-AnalysisRETRACTED ARTICLE: The effects of vitamin E supplementation on endometrial thickness, and gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammatory cytokines among women with implantation failure
Vitamin E supplementation for 12 weeks in women with implantation failure improved endometrial thickness, decreased oxidative stress, and reduced gene expression of LDLR, IL-1, and TNF-.
Effect of vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Vitamin E supplements significantly decreased systolic blood pressure but had no significant effect on diastolic or mean arterial pressure.
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Rigorous JournalVitamin E in Human Health and Disease
Vitamin E supplements may increase all-cause mortality and may negatively impact blood pressure in high-risk populations.
Highly CitedHigh-dose vitamin E supplementation normalizes retinal blood flow and creatinine clearance in patients with type 1 diabetes.
High-dose vitamin E supplementation effectively normalizes retinal blood flow and improves renal function in type 1 diabetic patients without significantly affecting glycemic control.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin E supplementation enhances cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly subjects.
Short-term vitamin E supplementation improves immune responsiveness in healthy elderly individuals, likely due to a decrease in prostaglandin E2 and lipid peroxidation products.
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Vitamin E has immunomodulatory effects in animals and humans, affecting various immune cells and their functions, with potential implications for immunological diseases.
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