Vitamin
Vitamin E
This article is written from cited public sources but has not yet been signed off by a qualified expert. Use it as general background only, and check important details with a health professional.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Deficiency is rare in healthy people. High-dose supplements can raise bleeding risk and have not been shown to prevent heart disease or cancer.
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds. The form the body uses to meet its needs is alpha-tocopherol.[1]
Its role in the body
Important food sources
- Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil
- Almonds, peanuts (groundnuts) and peanut butter
- Vegetable oils such as wheat germ, safflower and other seed oilsAmounts vary by oil.
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetablesSmaller amounts.
Recommended dietary intake
| Group | Amount | Basis | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 14+ years (alpha-tocopherol)US Food and Nutrition Board value for healthy people; Indian reference value to be added after verification. | 15 mg/day[1] | RDA | USA |
| PregnancyUS Food and Nutrition Board value for healthy people; Indian reference value to be added after verification. | 15 mg/day[1] | RDA | USA |
| BreastfeedingUS Food and Nutrition Board value for healthy people; Indian reference value to be added after verification. | 19 mg/day[1] | RDA | USA |
Signs sometimes associated with low levels
Why symptoms alone cannot confirm a deficiency
Signs like tiredness, weakness, hair fall or low mood are very common and have many possible causes, such as poor sleep, stress, infections, thyroid problems or other illnesses.
The same sign can come from several different nutrients, or from no nutrient problem at all.
Only a qualified clinician, using your history, an examination and, when needed, lab tests, can say whether a deficiency is present. This app cannot diagnose a deficiency from symptoms or from BMI.
Nerve and muscle symptoms have many causes that need medical assessment.
Tests a clinician might consider
- A clinician may measure blood alpha-tocopherol when a fat-absorption disorder or a rare genetic condition is suspected. Routine testing in healthy people is not usual.[1]
Who is more likely to have low intake
Potential benefits and quality of evidence
- Vitamin E is an essential nutrient needed for nerve, muscle and immune health.[1] Established
- Large trials found that vitamin E supplements do not prevent heart attacks or strokes in people with heart disease or diabetes.[1] Established
- Evidence does not support vitamin E supplements to prevent cancer; one large trial found a higher risk of prostate cancer in men taking a high-dose supplement.[1] Moderate evidence
- Most research does not support vitamin E supplements to maintain memory and thinking in healthy older adults.[1] Not enough evidence
Side effects
- No harmful effects have been found from vitamin E in food.[1]
Risks of too much
Medicine and supplement interactions
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines, such as warfarin: Large doses of vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding.[1]
- Simvastatin with niacin: A combination of antioxidant supplements including vitamin E blunted the rise in HDL ("good") cholesterol from this treatment.[1]
- Cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy: Oncologists generally advise against antioxidant supplements during treatment because they might reduce its effectiveness; research is ongoing.[1]
Never start, stop or change a prescribed medicine because of this list — talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Needs are the same in pregnancy and slightly higher when breastfeeding. Food sources are preferred; do not take high-dose vitamin E in pregnancy unless your doctor advises it.[1]
Kidney and liver cautions
- Liver and bile-duct diseases that reduce fat absorption can lower vitamin E levels. Management of vitamin E in liver or kidney disease should be guided by the treating doctor.[1]
Upper intake limits
| Group | Amount | Basis | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 19+ years, including pregnancy and breastfeedingSupplemental alpha-tocopherol (any form). No adverse effects are known from vitamin E in food. | 1000 mg/day[1] | Upper limit | USA |
When to talk to a professional
Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a long-term illness, or take any regular medicines.
Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine because of anything you read here.
Supplements sold without a prescription are not automatically safe. Doses, quality and interactions still matter.
Seek medical care promptly if you have severe, sudden or worsening symptoms.
If you take a blood thinner, or are due to have surgery, tell your doctor about any vitamin E supplement.
Still being verified
- ICMR-NIN 2020 vitamin E values are not in the brief note and were not verified; not stated.
References
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (opens in a new tab) (2021-03-26). Accessed 9 Oct 2026.
Sources checked: 9 Oct 2026
This page is general education, not personal medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment or medicines, please talk to a qualified doctor, registered dietitian or pharmacist. Read our medical & AI disclaimer.