Is it safe to take Evion (Vitamin E) 400mg tablet twice a day?

Safety of Taking Evion 400mg Tablet Twice Daily

Taking Evion (Vitamin E) 400mg twice daily (800mg total) is generally not recommended due to potential safety concerns with long-term high-dose vitamin E supplementation.

Vitamin E Dosing and Safety Considerations

• The FDA label for Vitamin E does not provide specific guidance on maximum dosing, only cautioning against "excessive dosage" 1.

• High-dose vitamin E supplementation (800 IU/day) has been studied in specific medical conditions like NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), but even in these therapeutic contexts, there are safety concerns associated with long-term use 2.

• Recent research suggests that high-dose vitamin E supplementation may be associated with increased risks including:

  • Potential increased all-cause mortality 3
  • Possible increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke 4
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer in men (as shown in the SELECT study with 400 IU/day) 2

Potential Drug Interactions

• Vitamin E has anticoagulant properties that may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin 4.

• High-dose vitamin E may potentially affect drug metabolism by increasing production of cytochrome P450s and MDR1, which could lower the efficacy of drugs metabolized by these pathways 3.

Recommendations Based on Evidence

• If you are considering vitamin E supplementation, a single daily dose of 400mg is likely safer than 800mg (twice daily dosing) 4.

• Consult with a healthcare provider before starting high-dose vitamin E supplementation, especially if you have:

  • Pre-existing cardiovascular disease 4
  • Coagulation disorders 4
  • History of stroke 4
  • Are taking medications that might interact with vitamin E 3

• The potential benefits of vitamin E supplementation should be weighed against the possible risks, particularly for long-term use at high doses 4, 3.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming that because vitamins are "natural," they are always safe at any dose 4.

• Taking high-dose supplements without medical supervision or monitoring 1.

• Continuing high-dose supplementation for extended periods without reassessing the need and potential risks 4.

• Failing to inform healthcare providers about all supplements being taken, which could lead to harmful drug interactions 3.

Remember that while vitamin E is an essential nutrient, the recommended dietary allowance for adults is much lower than 800mg daily, and most people can obtain adequate vitamin E through a balanced diet 4.