Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the health condition: Hot Flashes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin E has been traditionally used as a remedy to help alleviate hot flashes, particularly among menopausal women. This use dates back to the mid-20th century, when some clinicians and patients reported anecdotal benefits from vitamin E supplementation for vasomotor symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. The rationale was based on vitamin E's antioxidant properties and its potential influence on hormone regulation and blood vessel health.

However, scientific validation for this use is limited and weak. Several small clinical trials have been conducted; results are mixed, but most show only a modest benefit, if any, from vitamin E supplementation for hot flashes. For example, a 2007 randomized controlled trial published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation found a slight reduction in hot flash frequency with vitamin E compared to placebo, but the effect size was small and not clinically significant for most women. Larger and more rigorous studies have not confirmed a meaningful benefit.

Overall, while vitamin E is sometimes used traditionally to support or treat hot flashes, scientific evidence for its effectiveness is limited and does not robustly support this practice. It is considered safe at recommended doses, but should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for hot flashes.

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