“New research has shown that “Vitamin E ‘can increase the risk of heart defects in babies,’” says the Daily Mail. The newspaper warns that consuming as little as three-quarters of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E while pregnant can lead to a nine-fold increase the risk of a heart problem at birth.”

Further into the NHS feature, they offer this practical advice:

“Despite limitations to this research, the possible association between high vitamin E intake and congenital heart defects is an important one requiring further research. UK guidance currently gives no recommendations on taking vitamin E during pregnancy. At present, it may be sensible for pregnant women to not be overly concerned by vitamin E naturally occurring in foods and continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet but to consider avoiding vitamin E supplements.”

Another study published in September 2014, in the International Journal – Advances in Nutrition – estimates that approximately 90% of Americans are not currently consuming enough of vitamin E as part of their diet. The study also discusses potential poor outcomes in pregnancy, when there is a deficiency of vitamin E, for both the mother and the infant.

We appreciate that the studies may seem confusing, but this is partially because of the limitations to the research, and as the NHS has pointed out, further research is required in this area. Therefore, it is best to follow the NHS guidelines of eating a healthy, balanced diet, which will enable you to intake some Vitamin E naturally, without over-doing it. On this feature, you can check out the food pyramid from Ireland’s HSE

In Ireland the recommended vitamin E intake is 8mg per day for women and 10mg per day for men. The RDA increases for pregnant women during the second half of pregnancy to 10mg per day, and for the first six months of lactation the RDA increases to 11mg per day.

• Eat your greens – green leafy vegetables are a very good source of vitamins E. Include spinach, cabbage, broccoli and other leafy greens in your diet.
• Nuts are also a good source of this vitamin, so you can include peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts.
• Vegetable oils such as sunflower, wheat germ, safflower, soya bean and corn oils are also good sources.
• Seeds also contain vitamin E, so for example you can eat sunflower seeds, or include them as part of a seed mix in your porridge, or sprinkle of sunflower seeds into a salad.
• You can also find this vitamin in some fortified foods. You can check the information and food packaging, such as breakfast cereals, margarine, spreads and fruit juices.

Next we’re going to look at the findings of another study which was published in September 2014.

Vitamin E for a healthy baby

The lead author of this study, Maret G. Traber, is a national expert on vitamin E in the United States, and also a Professor at Oregon State University – in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences. This study was a review of multiple studies. One of its most significant findings was the importance of vitamin E during fetal development. However not only this but also the importance of vitamin E during the first years of your baby’s life.

1. Vitamin E Is Vital For Baby’s Brain Health

In embryos, vitamin E is absolutely critical to the early development of an embryo’s nervous system. Part of the reason for this is because one of its functions is to protect the Omega-3 fatty acids functioning, in particular DHA. DHA is crucial for brain health.

2. Eyes and head

The other areas which are especially sensitive during the early period of your embryo’s nervous system development, are her eyes and head. The deficiency in vitamin E could affect the development of these areas, where as the correct amounts will help healthy development.

3. Poor outcomes

A lack of this vitamin can result in poor outcomes in pregnancy for both you and your infant.

4. Anaemia

The deficiency of vitamin E can lead to anaemia.

5. Risk of increased infections

Vitamin E deficiency is also linked with the risk of increased infections.

6. Stunted growth

Inadequate vitamin E can also result in stunted growth.

7. Improved cognitive function

One of the studies that was included in this review of multiple studies showed that when there was a higher concentration of vitamin E at birth, this can be associated with a superior cognitive function at the age of two years old.

8. Neurological disorders & muscle deterioration

If there is a deficiency of vitamin E, particularly in children, this can result in neurological disorders, possible muscle deterioration, and in some cases cardiomyopathy.

9. Later in life

Later in life, although vitamin E supplements have not been proven to prevent Alzheimers, it has been shown that they can slow down its progression. Also a study of older people who had a lifelong dietary pattern that included high levels of vitamins E, B, C and D – showed a correlation with higher cognitive functions and a larger brain size. In fact, there was actually a correlation between an adequate intake of vitamin E and prevention of dementia in later life.

Other good resources on this subject:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002406.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140915083901.htm

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