Vitamin E for the Treatment of Fibrocystic Breasts - Scientific Report
Fibrocystic breasts is characterized by small lumps within the breast. These lumps can be painful, and the while the scientific community does not have a definitive answer as to why these lumps appear, initial evidence suggests that the development of fibrocystic breasts may be connected to hormones released during menstruation.
While nearly 50 percent of women have fibrocystic breasts, there aren't many treatment options to reduce the severity of this condition. Proponents of vitamin E claim that this essential vitamin may potentially relieve pain associated with fibrocystic breasts; however, the true value of vitamin E for this condition has not been determined by researchers.
Purpose of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a term used to describe not one, but eight antioxidant compounds. While your body can process all eight compounds, alpha-tocopherol is the only one known by researchers to be effective in the human body.
The primary function of vitamin E is to protect your body from harmful free radical compounds. Another vital function of this fat-soluble vitamin is to support the production of red blood cells as well as overseeing the use of vitamin K.
Fibrocystic Breasts and Vitamin E - Scientific Evidence:
According to Brown University Health Education, health care professional may prescribe vitamin E to help reduce the severity of fibrocystic breasts; however, the true effectiveness of vitamin E for this condition is unknown as there is no solid scientific evidence able to support this claim. Although scientific studies may not support this use, natural health practitioners and some medical doctors do find that this supplement can offer some benefits.
Dosage:
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, men and women aged 19 years and older should consume 15 milligrams of vitamin E per day. Breastfeeding women should consume 19 milligrams of vitamin E per day.
Talk with your doctor regarding the dosage of vitamin E supplements as taking this vitamin in excessive doses is toxic and can lead to serious side effects such as blood thinning.
References Used:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000912.htm
MedlinePlus: Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Brown University Health Education: Fibrocystic Breasts
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-e-000341.htm
University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin E
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminE/
Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin E
Published by Prior Aphter
Prior Aphter has been a professional freelance writer since 2005, and throughout his experience he has worked for online and offline clients dealing with healthcare advancements, natural remedies, scientific... View profile
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