Vitamin E
Also indexed as: E Vitamin, Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL; “bad” cholesterol) cholesterol, from damage.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- This interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Anemia and Vitamin E Deficiency
|
60 to 75 IU per day |
[3 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E may improve anemia in cases of vitamin E deficiency. |
|
Epilepsy in Children
|
400 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E can help improve treatment results in children. |
|
Immune Function and Elderly People
|
200 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Vitamin E enhances some measures of immune-cell activity in the elderly. |
|
Intermittent Claudication
|
400 to 600 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Taking vitamin E may improve blood flow and increase walking capacity. |
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis
|
1,200 to 1,800 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, protecting joints against oxidative damage. Supplementing with vitamin E can help ease symptoms, including pain. |
|
Sunburn
(Vitamin C) |
2,000 to 3,000 mg vitamin C and 1,000 to 2,000 IU vitamin E |
[3 stars]
Antioxidants may protect the skin from sunburn due to free radical–producing ultraviolet rays. Combinations of vitamin E and C offer protection against ultraviolet rays. |
|
Tardive Dyskinesia
|
1,600 IU daily |
[3 stars]
Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the severity of tardive dyskinesia. |
|
Alzheimer’s Disease
|
2,000 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E have been associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improved brain function in middle-aged and older adults.
|
|
Angina
|
50 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Low levels of antioxidant vitamins in the blood, particularly vitamin E, are associated with greater rates of angina. In one study supplementing with small amounts of vitamin E had a minor benefit in people with angina. |
|
Athletic Performance, Exercise Recovery, and High-Altitude Exercise Performance
|
400 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Antioxidants, including vitamin E, neutralize exercise-related free radicals before they can damage the body, so antioxidants may aid in exercise recovery. Vitamin E has been shown to benefit exercise performance at high altitudes. |
|
Cold Sores
|
Apply cotton saturated with oil for 15 minutes every three hours on day one, then three times daily on days two and three |
[2 stars]
Applying vitamin E oil directly to a cold sore appears to accelerate healing. |
|
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
|
10 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with selenium and vitamin E has been shown to correct an antioxidant deficiency common in DH. |
|
Down’s Syndrome
|
100 to 400 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Taking vitamin E may improve antioxidant protection. Ask your doctor before supplementing with this vitamin. |
|
Dysmenorrhea
|
400 to 600 IU of vitamin E a day for five days, beginning two days before menstruation |
[2 stars]
Taking vitamin E beginning two days before menstruation may help prevent severe pain. |
|
Endometriosis
(Vitamin C) |
1,000 mg vitamin C and 1,200 IU vitamin E daily |
[2 stars]
A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E can help lessen the pain of endometriosis. |
|
Hay Fever
|
800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
In a study of people with hay fever, adding vitamin E to regular anti-allergy treatment during the pollen season significantly reduced the severity of hay fever symptoms. |
|
Heart Attack
|
400 to 800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E, synthetic or natural, may help reduce heart attack risk. |
|
Hypertension
|
200 IU daily |
[2 stars]
In a study of people with high blood pressure, vitamin E was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
|
Intermittent Claudication
(Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Fish Oil, Folic Acid, Oleic Acid, Vitamin B6) |
200 mg of EPA and 130 mg of DHA daily, plus small amounts of vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid |
[2 stars]
In one study, men with intermittent claudication who drank a milk product fortified with fish oil, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, oleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid could walk further without pain than those who drank regular milk. |
|
Leukoplakia
|
800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
According to a review of clinical trials, the combination of beta-carotene and vitamin E has led to complete or partial remissions in six of eight trials studying people with leukoplakia. |
|
Lung Cancer
|
200 to 400 IU daily |
[2 stars]
High vitamin E levels have been associated with a reduced lung cancer risk. In one trial, nonsmokers who took vitamin E had a 45% lower lung cancer risk compared with those who did not take the vitamin. |
|
Menopause
|
Refer to label instructions |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E may help reduce menopause symptoms. Many doctors suggest that women going through menopause try vitamin E for at least three months to see if symptoms improve. |
|
Osgood-Schlatter Disease
|
400 IU a day with 150 mcg a day of selenium |
[2 stars]
Taking a combination of vitamin E and selenium may help the healing. |
|
Osteoarthritis
|
400 to 1,600 IU per day |
[2 stars]
As an antioxidant, vitamin E appears to help protect joints. |
|
Pancreatic Insufficiency
|
270 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Taking antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin E, may lessen pain and prevent pancreatitis recurrences. |
|
Parkinson’s Disease
(Vitamin C) |
3,000 mg of vitamin C and 3,200 IU of vitamin E |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamins C and E may help people with early Parkinson’s disease delay the need for medication. |
|
Preeclampsia and High-Risk Women
(Vitamin C) |
1,000 mg daily vitamin C with 400 IU vitamin E |
[2 stars]
Women with preeclampsia have been found to have low antioxidant levels. In one trial, supplementing with vitamins C and E reduced preeclampsia incidence by 76% in high-risk women. |
|
Premenstrual Syndrome
|
300 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E may decrease PMS symptoms, according to one study. |
|
Prostate Cancer
|
50 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E as mixed tocopherols may help lower prostate cancer risk, especially in smokers.
|
|
Retinopathy and Retrolental Fibroplasia in Premature Infants
|
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |
[2 stars]
Large amounts of vitamin E have been shown to reduce the incidence of severe retinopathy in premature infants. |
|
Sunburn
(Melatonin, Vitamin C) |
Apply a formula containing 2% vitamin E, 5% vitamin C, and 1% to 2.5% melatonin before sun exposure |
[2 stars]
A topically applied combination of melatonin, vitamin C, and vitamin E may boost the protection from traditional sunscreens. |
|
Sunburn
(Vitamin C) |
Apply a formula containing 2% vitamin E and 5% vitamin C before sun exposure |
[2 stars]
Studies have found sunscreen-like effects from topical application of the vitamin C and vitamin E combination. |
|
Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy
|
900 to 1,800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E supplementation may protect against diabetic neuropathy. |
|
Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
|
1800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E may combat free radicals associated with diabetic retinopathy. |
|
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
|
900 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E supplementation may protect against neuropathy. |
|
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
|
1800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E supplementation may protect against diabetic retinopathy. |
|
Wound Healing
|
400 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Supplementing with vitamin E may enhance healing and prevent adhesion formation after surgery, applied topically, the vitamin may help prevent scarring. |
|
Yellow Nail Syndrome
|
800 IU daily |
[2 stars]
Vitamin E has been used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in several preliminary reports. |
|
Abnormal Pap Smear
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Women with cervical dysplasia may have lower blood levels of vitamin E compared with healthy women. |
|
Age-Related Cognitive Decline
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Use of vitamin E, alone or with vitamin C, has been associated with better cognitive function and a reduced risk of certain forms of dementia (but not Alzheimer’s disease). |
|
Alcohol Withdrawal
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Alcohol-related anxiety may be improved by a combination of vitamin E, vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin C, though the high amounts of niacin and vitamin B6 used in the study need a doctor’s supervision. |
|
Asthma
(Vitamin C, Selenium) |
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
There is some evidence that a combination of antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium may help prevent asthma throught to be caused by air pollution.
|
|
Atherosclerosis
|
100 to 200 IU daily |
[1 star]
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage and has been linked to heart disease prevention. Many doctors recommend supplementing with vitamin E to lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. |
|
Bronchitis
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E appears to help keep the lungs healthy and prevent damage from environmental pollution and cigarette smoke exposure. |
|
Burns
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Using the antioxidant vitamin E topically on minor burns is a popular remedy. If applying vitamin E topically, use the tocopherol form. |
|
Cataracts
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Low blood levels of vitamin E have been linked to increased risk of forming cataracts. Vitamin E supplements have been reported to protect against cataracts. |
|
Childhood Diseases
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Healthy immune function requires adequate amounts of vitamin E. Animal studies have shown that vitamin E increases immune cell activity and reduces virus activity. |
|
Colon Cancer
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In most preliminary reports, vitamin E appears to protect against cancer. |
|
Cystic Fibrosis
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
The fat malabsorption associated with cystic fibrosis often leads to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin E. Supplementation can help counteract the deficiency. |
|
Dupuytren’s Contracture
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Supplementing with vitamin E may improve Dupuytren’s contracture, although research on the topic has been conflicting. |
|
Epilepsy in Adults
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Supplementing with vitamin E has been shown to improve treatment results in children, and similar effects may be seen in adults. |
|
Female Infertility
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In one study, infertile couples given vitamin E showed significantly improved fertility. |
|
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Some studies have reported that vitamin E reduces symptoms of FBS, many women try it for three months to see if it helps. |
|
Fibromyalgia
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E was used in one early study with beneficial and sometimes dramatic results. |
|
Goiter
|
0.5 to 8 grams daily |
[1 star]
Vitamin E levels are lower in people with goiter than in those without. Supplementing with vitamin E prevented goiter formation in iodine-deficient conditions in some research. |
|
Halitosis, Gingivitis, and Vitamin E Deficiency
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E is often recommended by doctors to help prevent and treat periodontitis. |
|
Hepatitis
|
900 to 2,700 mg per day |
[1 star]
Some trials have shown vitamin E to be helpful in treating hepatitis B and to reduce liver damage in people with hepatitis C. |
|
High Cholesterol
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In one trial, supplementing with vitamin E increased levels of protective HDL cholesterol. |
|
HIV and AIDS Support
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In test-tube studies, vitamin E improved the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug zidovudine (AZT) while reducing its toxicity. |
|
Hypoglycemia
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E helps control blood sugar levels in diabetics, and since there are similarities in the way the body regulates high and low blood sugar levels, it might be helpful for hypoglycemia as well. |
|
Insulin Resistance Syndrome
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in both healthy and hypertensive people and may have a similar effect on people with IRS. |
|
Kidney Stones
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In one study, supplementing with synthetic vitamin E was found to reduce several risk factors for kidney stone formation in people with elevated levels of urinary oxalate. |
|
Liver Cirrhosis
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E has been shown to decrease damage in cirrhotic livers and may reduce immune abnormalities that contribute to the development of the disease. |
|
Macular Degeneration
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Sunlight triggers oxidative damage in the eye, which in turn can cause macular degeneration. Vitamin E protects against oxidative damage and may reduce macular degeneration risk. |
|
Male Infertility
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E supplementation appears to enhance fertility, possibly by decreasing free-radical damage to sperm cells. |
|
Menorrhagia
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In a study of women with menorrhagia associated with the use of an intrauterine device (IUD), supplementing with vitamin E corrected the problem in all cases within ten weeks. |
|
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Some studies have found that vitamin E levels decrease after surgery, supplementation may correct a deficiency. Vitamin E may also prevent scarring when used topically after surgery. |
|
Restless Legs Syndrome
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
In one study, supplementing with vitamin E produced complete relief in seven out of nine people with restless leg syndrome. |
|
Retinopathy
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Vitamin E has been found to prevent retinopathy in people with a rare genetic disease known as abetalipoproteinemia. |
|
Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Some doctors have found vitamin E supplements to be effective for people with postherpetic neuralgia. Vitamin E oil can also be applied to the skin. |
|
Sickle Cell Anemia
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Low vitamin E levels have been associated with higher numbers of diseased cells in children and with greater symptom frequency in adults. Supplementing with the vitamin can help restore levels. |
|
Sprains and Strains and Exercise-Related Muscle Injury
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Antioxidant supplements, including vitamin E, may help prevent exercise-related muscle injuries by neutralizing free radicals produced during strenuous activities. |
|
Stroke
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Studies have found that people who eat foods high in antioxidants such vitamin E have less carotid stenosis, a risk factor for stroke. Vitamin E plus aspirin has also been shown to be effective in reducing stroke risk. |
|
Type 1 Diabetes
(Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C) |
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
A combination of the antioxidants selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E has been shown to improve diabetic retinopathy. |
|
Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
(Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C) |
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Antioxidant nutrients including selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E may combat free radicals associated with diabetic retinopathy. |
|
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
(Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C) |
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
A combination of the antioxidants selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E has been shown to improve diabetic retinopathy. |
|
Vaginitis
|
Refer to label instructions |
[1 star]
Some doctors recommend vitamin E (taken orally, topically, or vaginally) for certain types of vaginitis. |
|
Anti-Aging
(Vitamin C, Selenium) |
Refer to label instructions | |
|
Sunburn
(Vitamin A) |
Refer to label instructions |
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.
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