Final answer:
Long-term use of Vitamin E supplements may result in serious side effects like increased risk of cardiovascular events, certain cancers, and potentially dementia. Daily requirements for adults are around 10 mg, but excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis with symptoms such as nausea. Vitamin E's beneficial role includes acting as an antioxidant in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-term use of Vitamin E supplements is associated with a range of potential negative side effects. These can include an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, blood clots, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, gall bladder disease, and potentially dementia. For adults, a daily requirement of Vitamin E is typically 10 mg/day, which can increase to 35 mg/day if dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake is high. Pregnant or lactating women may require more Vitamin E. However, excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis, which presents symptoms such as nausea.
It's important to note that while some users of Vitamin E report better overall health, this is not conclusive evidence that Vitamin E alone is responsible for disease prevention. Other lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and additional vitamin intake, can also influence health outcomes. Lastly, Vitamin E has roles as an antioxidant in the body, protecting cells from damage and aiding in critical processes such as heme synthesis and the maintenance of muscle, nerve, and reproductive system health.