Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant activities. Alpha-tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements for vitamin E. Frank vitamin E deficiency is rare, but preterm infants with very low birth weight (<1,500 grams) might be deficient in vitamin E.
Where to get it
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price. How we make money
Active compounds & mechanisms
Key compounds: Alpha-tocopherol
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
Findings suggest vitamin E could play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but vitamin E has not been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease or reduce its morbidity or mortality in clinical trials.
Mixed evidenceSome support. Results are mixed
Study details
NIH ODS says: "these findings suggest that it could play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease" "has not been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease or reduce its morbidity or mortality in clinical trials"
Source: NIH ODS, Vitamin E — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 19, 2026), Vitamin E and Health: Cardiovascular disease View source
The evidence to date is insufficient to support taking vitamin E to prevent cancer.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS says: "The evidence to date is insufficient to support taking vitamin E to prevent cancer."
Source: NIH ODS, Vitamin E — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 19, 2026), Vitamin E and Health: Cancer View source
It has been suggested that regularly taking large doses of vitamin E supplements may even increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Limited evidenceSome support. The source hedges (“may” or “associated with”)
Study details
NIH ODS says: "suggest that regularly taking large doses of vitamin E supplements may even increase the risk of prostate cancer"
Source: NIH ODS, Vitamin E — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 19, 2026), Vitamin E and Health: Cancer (prostate) View source
It is unclear whether vitamin E supplements can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS says: "it is unclear whether vitamin E supplements can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration"
Source: NIH ODS, Vitamin E — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 19, 2026), Vitamin E and Health: Eye disorders View source
Most studies have found that the use of vitamin E supplements does not help maintain cognitive function. More research is needed to identify the role of vitamin E, if any, in the management of cognitive impairment.
Not supported by current evidenceWeak or no support. Trials found no clear benefit
Study details
NIH ODS says: "most studies have found that the use of vitamin E supplements does not help maintain cognitive function" "More research is needed to identify the role of vitamin E, if any, in the management of cognitive impairment."
Source: NIH ODS, Vitamin E — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 19, 2026), Vitamin E and Health: Cognitive decline View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | Recommended daily amounts for adults: 15 mg of alpha-tocopherol, or 19 mg during lactation. The upper limit is 1,000 mg for adults. One mg of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is equivalent to 1 mg RRR-alpha-tocopherol or 2 mg all rac-alpha-tocopherol. |
Side effects
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Potential for hemorrhagic (bleeding) effects; use of vitamin E was associated with a significantly increased risk of hemorrhagic strokeReportedCase reports only | Not stated | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
No adverse effects have been reported from consuming large amounts of vitamin E from food. The upper limits for vitamin E are based on the potential for hemorrhagic (bleeding) effects, and long-term intakes above the upper limit increase the risk of adverse health effects. The use of vitamin E was associated with a significantly increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It has also been suggested that regularly taking large doses of vitamin E supplements may even increase the risk of prostate cancer. Upper limits for infants have not been established.
Contraindications
No specific contraindications are listed by our sources. If you take warfarin or another anticoagulant, or simvastatin with niacin, see Drug interactions.
Drug interactions
NIH ODS lists anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) in its section on vitamin E interactions with medications, and says this can increase the risk of bleeding.
NIH ODS lists people treated with a combination of simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin in its vitamin E drug interactions section. Our sources don't describe the effect.
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.
Related
Was this page useful? Rate it · Report a mistake