Vitamin E for Bad Breath

Some websites and articles recommend vitamin E for bad breath, and some over-the-counter remedies include this vitamin along with other vitamin and herbal ingredients. Few sources, however, explain why this nutrient is thought to be beneficial. It has long been recognized as being important in the maintenance of healthy cells and the development of nervous tissue. Deficiencies are associated with neurological disorders, vision problems, anemia in newborns, and fibrocystic breast disease. Vitamin E deficiency, however, is very rare.

Extravagant health claims have been made for alpha-tocopherol, the most widely studied of the Vitamin E molecules, however, there is no solid evidence to connect alpha-tocopherol and halitosis - treatment of oral malodor with this nutrient alone is unlikely to bring about a cure. The strongest argument for vitamin E and bad breath is that it is one of the essential nutrients needed for optimum health, and at least some cases of oral malodor can be improved by correcting a poor diet. In such cases, a multivitamin and mineral supplement is more likely to be helpful than supplementation with singe specific nutrients.

Some proponents of vitamin E for bad breath cite the antioxidant properties of the molecule. As an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol and other forms prevent other nutrients such as vitamin A from being destroyed by free oxygen. The protective role also applies to red blood cells and the cells of the immune system. Therefore, abundant vitamin E strengthens the immune system and, in turn, the immune system is better able to fight off the anaerobic oral bacteria associated with most uncomplicated cases of oral malodor. This also explains the proposed link between alpha-tocopherol and halitosis.

Vitamin E is present in food, and the best way to get more vitamin E for bad breath is to make sure you eat lots of foods high in the nutrient. Good food choices include nuts and seeds, asparagus and leafy green vegetables, avocado, olives, and wheat germ. These foods are also healthful in many other ways and are excellent additions to a healthy diet. Given the weak link between alpha-tocopherol and halitosis, however, it would be wise not to harbor high expectations for an over-night cure.