General Care Discussion :: Vitamin E oil?

[T83]

Just wondering if anyone has ever put vitamin E oil on their turtle's shell? Is it safe to do so?
I understand that Vitamin E is necessary for proper shell growth.

Also what foods are highest in Vitamin E?

[steve]

I haven't heard about it, though I think some use bell peppers as part of the diet.

[T83]

Thanks for the reply! Perhaps I'll try bell peppers then!

[Jeremiah]

It is safe to use the Vitamin E oil treatment. People who do so usually just buy human-grade capsules from the local pharmacy, and break them open to get the oil. Applying the oil to the shell won't actually help it grow, the last I heard people were using it to induce shedding. I personally don't think it's worth the mess.

Blueberries are high in Vitamin E, but your best bet is to use Hikari Wheat Germ pellets. Those things are like tiny Vitamin E bombs.

Are you trying to make your turtle(s) shed, or just help shell growth? If it's the latter, there's really no need to expedite it; the process happens naturally/smoothly (assuming proper husbandry).