VITAMIN E

What is vitamin E? 

Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for its free radical scavenging properties [^[1]]. It is a fat-soluble vitamin [^[2]]. We get vitamin E entirely from dietary sources [^[3]].

What does vitamin E do in the body?

Vitamin E is potent against cancer, aging, arthritis, and cataracts. It is also vital for the health of our visual and reproductive systems. It also prevents platelet aggregation and can combat atherosclerosis [^[3]].

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it protects the body’s cells from free radicals. Free radicals are a form of oxidative stress that causes cell and tissue damage. Vitamin E also supports immune health, enabling the body to fight off viruses. Its functions include widening blood vessels, preventing blood clots, and improving communication between cells [^[2]].

How can vitamin E help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Because of its role as a scavenger of harmful free radicals, vitamin E can protect against oxidative damage caused by COVID-19, both in the acute and post-acute phases. Research suggests that vitamin E may have anticlotting effects, which can be useful for acute COVID-19, given that blood thickening is a common symptom associated with severe COVID-19 and is also a feature of Long COVID [^[4]].

Vitamin E may also have anti-platelet and anti-clotting effects, which can promote vasculature health. Given that clotting abnormalities can be a feature in severe COVID-19 and Long COVID, vitamin E can potentially reduce blood clot risks for both patient populations [^[4]].

Vitamin E may lower levels of an inflammatory substance known as C-reactive protein or CRP [^[5]], which can be elevated in patients with Long COVID [^[6]].