Vitamin E creams have used to protect the skin, e.g., to treat burns from radiation therapy. Likewise, the vitamin has been used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth that may occur after chemotherapy. One bites a 1000 mg capsule and sloshes the contents inside of the mouth. Other workers feel that vitamin E, being an antioxidant, and therefore a free radical scavenger, may have use in various chronic conditions that are impacted by free radicals, e.g., arthritis, senility, cancer, and normal aging. There is preliminary evidence that vitamin E may lower the toxicity to certain chemotherapy agents like adriamycin, a frequently used drug that can have some cardiac side effects.
Some investigators report it is useful in diminishing leg cramps at night.
Antioxidants may have some protective effect against cataracts and even enhance the immune system. The little regarded vitamin E is under much study in recent years along with the other major antioxidants, vitamin C and beta carotene. It seems that E has gone from a reputation of minimal import to one of major interest. Much further research needs to be done, but it will be exciting to follow its future in the months to come. Jr. Dr. Haynes is a Senior Attending in cardiology and internal medicine at the Medical Center at Princeton and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.