Vitamin E

Overview

Vitamin E is a vitamin that dissolves in fat. It is found in many foods including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wheat germ oil. It is also available as a supplement.

Vitamin E is used for treating vitamin E deficiency, which is rare, but can occur in people with certain genetic disorders and in very low-weight premature infants. Vitamin E is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

The American Heart Association recommends obtaining antioxidants, including vitamin E, by eating a well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than from supplements until more is known about the risks and benefits of taking supplements.

A type of vitamin E called vitamin E acetate is an ingredient in some vaping products. Using vaping products containing vitamin E acetate has been linked to serious lung injury.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Vitamin

Primary Functions:

Vitamin E deficiency

Also Known As:

Acétate d'Alpha Tocophérol, Acétate d'Alpha Tocophéryl

How Does It Work?

Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs in the body. It is also an antioxidant. This means it helps to slow down processes that damage cells.

Uses

  • An inherited condition that affects motor control (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency or AVED). The genetic movement disorder called ataxia causes severe vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E supplements are used as part of the treatment for ataxia.
  • Vitamin E deficiency. Taking vitamin E by mouth is effective for preventing and treating vitamin E deficiency.
  • Alzheimer disease. Some early research suggests that dietary intake of vitamin E is linked to a lower chance of developing Alzheimer disease. But not all research agrees. Taking vitamin E supplements doesn't seem to prevent Alzheimer disease from developing. In people who already have Alzheimer disease, taking vitamin E along with some anti-Alzheimer medicines might slow down the worsening of memory loss. Vitamin E might also delay the loss of independence and the need for caregiver assistance in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease.
  • Low levels of red blood cells in people with long-term illness (anemia of chronic disease). Some research shows that that taking vitamin E improves the response to the drug erythropoietin, which affects red blood cell production, in adults and children on hemodialysis.
  • A blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to benefit children with the blood disorder called beta-thalassemia and vitamin E deficiency.
  • Leakage of intravenous (IV) drug from the vein into the surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation). Applying vitamin E to the skin together with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) seems to be effective for treating leakage of chemotherapy into surrounding tissues.
  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking vitamin E for 2 days before bleeding and for 3 days after bleeding starts seems to decrease pain and reduce menstrual blood loss. Taking vitamin E with fish oil might provide even more pain relief than taking vitamin E alone.
  • Scarring or hardening of blood vessels in the kidney (glomerulosclerosis). There is some evidence that taking vitamin E by mouth might improve kidney function in children with glomerulosclerosis.
  • An inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to break down in response to stress (G6PD deficiency). Some research shows that taking vitamin E by mouth, alone or together with selenium, might benefit people with an inherited disorder called G6PD deficiency.
  • A type of non-cancerous skin sore (granuloma annulare). Applying vitamin E to the skin seems to clear up skin sores called granuloma annulare.
  • An inherited brain disorder that affects movements, emotions, and thinking (Huntington disease). Natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) can improve symptoms in people with early Huntington disease. However, it doesn't seem to help people with more advanced disease.
  • Bleeding within the skull (intracranial hemorrhage). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to be effective for treating bleeding in the skull in premature infants.
  • Bleeding into or around the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage). Some research shows that giving vitamin E by mouth to premature infants can reduce the risk for bleeding into the brain. But giving high doses of vitamin E might increase the risk for a serious blood infection (sepsis) in these infants.
  • Conditions in a man that prevent him from getting a woman pregnant within a year of trying to conceive (male infertility). Taking vitamin E by mouth improves pregnancy rates for men with fertility problems. But taking high doses of vitamin E together with vitamin C doesn't seem to provide the same benefits.
  • Reduced benefit of nitrate therapy that happens when nitrates are used all day (nitrate tolerance). There is some evidence that taking vitamin E daily can help prevent nitrate tolerance.
  • Swelling (inflammation) and build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). Taking vitamin E daily seems to improve inflammation and liver markers of this form of liver disease in adults and children.
  • Parkinson disease. People who get more vitamin E in their diet might have a lower risk of Parkinson disease. Taking supplements containing vitamin E doesn't seem to benefit people already diagnosed with Parkinson disease.
  • Recovery from laser eye surgery (photoreactive keratectomy). Taking high doses of vitamin A along with vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate) daily seems to improve healing and vision in people undergoing laser eye surgery.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to reduce anxiety, craving, and depression in some women with PMS.
  • Physical performance in elderly adults. Research suggests that increasing vitamin E intake in the diet is linked with improved physical performance and muscle strength in older people.
  • Scarring of tissue caused by radiation therapy. Taking vitamin E by mouth with the drug pentoxifylline seems to treat scarring caused by radiation. However, taking vitamin E alone doesn't seem to be effective.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Vitamin E taken along with standard treatment is better than standard treatment alone for reducing pain in people with RA. However, this combination doesn't reduce swelling.
  • Sunburn. Taking high doses of vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) by mouth together with vitamin C protects against skin inflammation after exposure to UV radiation. However, vitamin E alone doesn't provide the same benefit. Applying vitamin E to the skin, together with vitamin C and melatonin, provides some protection when used before UV exposure.
  • A movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia). Taking vitamin E by mouth seems to improve symptoms associated with the movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. However, some other research suggests that it doesn't improve symptoms, but may prevent symptoms from worsening.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the eye (uveitis). Taking vitamin E with vitamin C by mouth seems to improve vision, but doesn't reduce swelling, in people with uveitis.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For vitamin E deficiency: A typical dose in adults is 60-75 IU of RRR-alpha tocopherol (natural vitamin E) per day
  • For an inherited condition that affects motor control (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency or AVED): 800-1500 mg of RRR-alpha-tocopherol or all-rac-alpha-tocopherol daily.
  • For low levels of red blood cells in people with long-term illness (anemia of chronic disease): 447-745 IU of vitamin E daily with erythropoietin 93-74 U/kg/week.
  • For a movement disorder often caused by antipsychotic drugs (tardive dyskinesia): 1600 IU of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) daily.
  • For improving conditions in a man that prevent him from getting a woman pregnant within a year of trying to conceive (male infertility): 298-894 IU of vitamin E daily.
  • For Alzheimer disease: up to 2000 IU of vitamin E daily. Combination therapy with 5 mg of donepezil (Aricept) and 1000 IU of vitamin E per day has been used for slowing memory decline in people with Alzheimer disease.
  • For swelling (inflammation) and build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH): 800 IU of vitamin E daily.
  • For an inherited brain disorder that affects movements, emotions, and thinking (Huntington disease): 3000 IU of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E).
  • For rheumatoid arthritis (RA): 600 IU of vitamin E twice daily.
  • For treating the reduced benefit of nitrate therapy that happens when nitrates are used all day (nitrate tolerance): 298 IU of vitamin E three times daily.
  • For an inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to break down in response to stress (G6PD deficiency): 800 IU of vitamin E daily.
  • For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 400 IU of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) daily.
  • For menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea): 200 IU to 500 IU of vitamin E daily starting 2 days before the menstrual period and continuing through the first 3 days of bleeding. 200 IU of vitamin E with 300 mg of fish oil has also been used.
  • For recovery from laser eye surgery (photoreactive keratectomy): 343 IU of vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl nicotinate) and 25,000 units of vitamin A (retinol palmitate) have been used 3 times daily for 30 days, followed by twice daily for 2 months.
  • For scarring of tissue caused by radiation therapy: 1000 IU of vitamin E daily in combination with 800 mg of pentoxifylline.
  • For swelling (inflammation) of the eye (uveitis): 149 IU of vitamin E (unspecified forms) in combination with 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily.
  • For preventing sunburn: 1000 IU of RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) in combination with 2 grams of ascorbic acid.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For treating leakage of intravenous (IV) drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation): Vitamin E 10% in combination with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 90% applied to the skin.
  • For preventing sunburn: Vitamin E in combination with topical vitamin C and melatonin applied to the skin prior to sun exposure.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

  • For an inherited condition that affects motor control (ataxia with vitamin E deficiency or AVED): 40 mg/kg of RRR-alpha-tocopherol or all-rac-alpha-tocopherol daily.
  • For a blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta-thalassemia): 298 mg of vitamin E daily for 4-8 weeks.
  • For scarring or hardening of blood vessels in the kidney (glomerulosclerosis): 200 Iu of vitamin E.
  • For treating bleeding within the skull (intracranial hemorrhage): 100 mg/kg of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate).
  • For treating bleeding into or around the fluid-filled areas (ventricles) of the brain (intraventricular hemorrhage): 29.8 IU/kg of vitamin E.
  • For swelling (inflammation) and build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH): 400-1200 IU of vitamin E daily.

For the most benefit, it's best to take vitamin E that has been made in a lab (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) with food.

Dosing for vitamin E can be confusing. Current guidelines show recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and tolerable upper intake limits (UL) for vitamin E in milligrams. However, most products are still labeled in International Units (IUs).

Vitamin E Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of taking vitamin E?

Free radicals form as a result of normal body processes. They cause damage that shortens the life of your cells. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce free radical damage and slow the aging process of your cells, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Is it safe to take vitamin E supplements?

When taken by mouth: Vitamin E is LIKELY SAFE for most healthy people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended daily dose, which is 22.4 IU. Vitamin E is POSSIBLY UNSAFE if taken by mouth in high doses.

How much vitamin E should I take daily?

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 milligrams a day. At this time, the American Heart Association discourages the use of high dose vitamin E supplements and promotes obtaining it from food sources. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as foods, not as drugs.

What is the best form of vitamin E supplement?

Recommended daily intake of vitamin E is 15 mg (22.5 IU). **Contains more than 60% gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that some researchers believe may be more beneficial than the alpha form. +Contains mostly gamma-tocopherol. Other nuts containing gamma-tocopherol at similar levels include pistachios and pecans.

Should I take vitamin E daily?

Vitamin E deficiency can cause nerve pain (neuropathy). The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams a day.

Can I take vitamin E daily?

When taken by mouth: Vitamin E is LIKELY SAFE for most healthy people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended daily dose, which is 22.4 IU. Vitamin E is POSSIBLY UNSAFE if taken by mouth in high doses.

Does vitamin E cause weight gain?

In conclusion, vitamin E played an important role in the weight gain of female rats and the gain was primarily due to the increase in fat mass, irrespective of the effect of ovariectomy. The results also indicate that excessive vitamin E intake might contribute towards obesity in female rats.

What does vitamin E do to your skin?

Vitamin E helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It's an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. Vitamin E may be beneficial at reducing UV damage to skin.

What are the side effects of taking vitamin E?

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Vitamin E?

  • Gas (flatulence)
  • Blurred vision.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (infants)
  • Increased serum creatinine.
  • Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Is 400 mg of vitamin E safe?

When taken by mouth: Vitamin E is LIKELY SAFE for most healthy people when taken by mouth. Most people do not experience any side effects when taking the recommended daily dose, which is 22.4 IU. If you have a condition such as heart disease or diabetes, do not take doses of 400 IU/day or more.

What is the best time to take vitamin E?

Best time to take water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins absorb best on an empty stomach. That means taking them first thing in the morning, 30 minutes prior to eating, or two hours after a meal.

Is 400 IU of vitamin E daily safe?

Daily vitamin E doses of 400 international units (IU) or more can increase the risk of death and should be avoided, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2004. Doses ranged from 15 to 2000 IU/day, and average intake was about 400 IU a day.

What happens if you have too much vitamin E?

Eating vitamin E in foods is not risky or harmful. In supplement form, however, high doses of vitamin E might increase the risk of bleeding (by reducing the blood's ability to form clots after a cut or injury) and of serious bleeding in the brain (known as hemorrhagic stroke).

When should I take vitamin E morning or night?

Best time to take water-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins absorb best on an empty stomach. That means taking them first thing in the morning, 30 minutes prior to eating, or two hours after a meal.

What is Vitamin E Good for sexually?

Vitamin E. Rick says vitamin E is important in increasing sex drive because it increases testosterone levels which therefore increases stamina and also helps raise desire. He added: “For men, it also enhances sperm count and motility. ... “Increased testosterone levels also help with blood flow and oxygenation of the body. .

Is Vitamin E Good for face?

It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make getting enough essential to your everyday health. Vitamin E is most commonly known for its benefits for skin health and appearance. It can be applied topically to your face to reduce inflammation and make your skin look younger.

Does Vitamin E make your breasts bigger?

This is the easiest way how to increase breast size naturally at home. Vitamins are is a much safer alternative to make your breast increase. You can try vitamin A, B3, C, and E which is a great way on how to enlarge the breast. including the other health benefits that they provide.

What does vitamin E do for the female body?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in many foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds formed when our bodies convert the food we eat into energy.

Can vitamin E help lose weight?

Vitamin E, along with vitamin C and some other antioxidants, are natural dietary defenses against this problem. “This may make sense if you are trying to reduce calories, but fat is the most common source of vitamin E in our diets, so that approach to weight loss can sometimes actually worsen a nutrient deficiency.”

Can vitamin E lighten skin?

Lightens Scars

“Vitamin E oil helps to regenerate new skin cells and can lighten brown spots or scars found on the face,” adds Dr. Mukesh Girdhar, Max Super Speciality Hospital.

Can vitamin E cause pimples?

Will vitamin E cause acne and breakouts?  If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using a heavy, oil-based vitamin E product may clog your pores and cause you to break out, says Dr. Linker, but it's not because of the vitamin E—it's because any heavy product can be risky for oily or acne-prone skin.

Why should you not take vitamin E?

Other research suggests that vitamin E use might increase the risk of death in people with a severe history of heart disease, such as heart attack or stroke. Talk with your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have: A vitamin K deficiency. An eye condition in which the retina is damaged (retinitis pigmentosa)

Why is vitamin E good for your liver?

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in NAFLD. This review summarizes the biological activities of vitamin E, with a primary focus on its therapeutic efficacy in NAFLD.

Clinical Studies