Blackmores Bio E 500 Capsule

Blackmores Bio E 500 Capsule is a vitamin E supplement from Blackmores that provides 500 IU of natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol in each capsule. D-alpha-tocopherol is the naturally occurring form of alpha-tocopherol, the form of vitamin E that the body preferentially retains, and 500 IU of this natural form is equivalent to roughly 335 mg of alpha-tocopherol. The capsules are taken once a day and the pack contains 30 capsules.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the fats in cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is also involved in normal immune function and in cell signalling. Vitamin E is found naturally in vegetable oils such as wheat germ and sunflower oil, as well as nuts and seeds, and a supplement may be considered by adults whose diet provides limited amounts of these foods.

At 500 IU per capsule, Bio E 500 is a high-strength product: it supplies far more than the usual daily requirement for adults, although it remains below the upper intake level of 1,000 mg (about 1,500 IU of natural vitamin E) set for adults by the US National Institutes of Health. Because high intakes of vitamin E can reduce blood clotting, this strength calls for extra care in people who take blood-thinning medicines or who are scheduled for surgery. It is intended for adults and should not be given to children unless a doctor advises it.

Swallow one capsule whole with a glass of water, preferably with or straight after a meal such as breakfast or lunch. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains some fat helps absorption.

Do not chew or open the capsule. Take it at around the same time each day and do not take more than the recommended amount.

Adults: 1 capsule daily with a meal, or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If you take other products that contain vitamin E, such as a multivitamin or another antioxidant formula, add up your total vitamin E intake and check with a pharmacist, as long-term intake above the adult upper limit increases the risk of side effects. Not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.

• Store below the temperature stated on the label in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Keep the container tightly closed and keep the capsules in their original packaging.
• Keep out of reach of children.

• Common: Mild stomach upset, nausea or diarrhoea.
• Uncommon: Headache, tiredness or occasional skin rash.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or black stools, particularly when taken with blood-thinning medicines; seek medical attention promptly.
• Serious: Allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing; stop use and seek urgent medical help.
• Excessive intake: Long-term intake above the adult upper limit has been linked to an increased risk of bleeding, including bleeding in the brain.

• Known allergy to vitamin E or to any ingredient in the capsule.
• Not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.
• Should not be taken without medical advice by people with bleeding disorders or vitamin K deficiency, or by people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines.

• Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel): high-dose vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding; speak to your doctor before use and follow any blood test monitoring advised.
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy: antioxidant supplements may affect how these treatments work; consult your oncologist before taking vitamin E.
• Statins taken with niacin: vitamin E combined with other antioxidants has been reported to reduce the rise in HDL cholesterol seen with this combination; discuss with your doctor.
• Other vitamin E-containing supplements: adding them increases your total intake; check combined amounts with a pharmacist.
• Herbal products that may affect bleeding (such as ginkgo, garlic or fish oil in high doses): may add to the effect on bleeding; seek advice before combining.
• Food: taking the capsule with a meal containing some fat improves absorption.

• Take the capsule with breakfast or lunch to support absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin.
• Check whether your multivitamin already contains vitamin E before adding a high-strength capsule.
• Tell your doctor, surgeon or dentist that you take vitamin E before any operation or procedure.
• If you take blood thinners, do not start this product without your doctor’s approval.
• Include vitamin E-rich foods such as nuts, seeds and vegetable oils in your diet.
• Store the capsules away from heat and humidity, especially in Malaysia’s warm climate.

Precautions: This is a high-strength vitamin E product. People who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines, who have a bleeding disorder or vitamin K deficiency, or who have had a stroke should speak to their doctor before use. Inform your surgeon or dentist that you take it before any planned surgery or dental procedure, and follow their advice on whether to stop it beforehand. People receiving cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before taking antioxidant supplements. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use, as their usual requirement is far lower than the amount in one capsule. Not recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, a severe headache, or signs of an allergic reaction. Speak to a pharmacist before combining this product with other supplements or medicines, particularly blood thinners.