Vitamin E also seems to protect both lung tissue and the vitamin A in your body from the effects of other oxidants in tobacco smoke. Vitamin E-deficient rats are more sensitive to damage by cigarette smoke. Large amounts of vitamin E can help protect experimental animals from polluted air, probably because it protects the unsaturated fatty acids in the lung tissue from oxidation. Vitamin E also potentiates the tumor-inhibiting ability of the mineral selenium. Vitamin E may also help inhibit a precancerous breast condition in humans.
Vitamin E is a free radical scavenger.
Vitamin E may also protect against free radical damage to the cardiac muscles. Possible side effects of this vitamin include nausea, gas, diarrhea, fatigue, skin disorders and slow healing of cuts or burns. Persons with high blood pressure, those taking anticoagulant drugs, and those with bleeding or clotting disorders should consult their physician before taking vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E should not be taken at the same time as birth control pills or inorganic iron supplements, as both can interfere with vitamin E activity. Selenium Very small quantities of the trace mineral selenium are essential to human health.