Vitamin E
also known as Alpha-tocopherol, Tocopherols, Tocotrienols
An antioxidant family that protects cells and fats from oxidation, supports vitamin A use, protects LDL from oxidation, supports cardiovascular health, platelet balance, and immune activity.
Recommended daily intake
- Adults · 15 mg (22.4 IU)
- Pregnancy · 15 mg
- Lactation · 19 mg
Upper intake limit
1,000 mg/day for adults (1,500 IU natural; 1,100 IU synthetic)
Signs of deficiency
- Rare in healthy people
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination and walking difficulties
- Vision problems
- Weakened immune function
- Most often seen in fat malabsorption conditions like cystic fibrosis or celiac disease
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Helps prevent cell damage
- Protects fats from oxidation
- Protects other fat-soluble vitamins
- Supports vitamin A utilization
- Protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation
- May support cardiovascular protection
- Helps inhibit platelet aggregation
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Common questions
15 mg (22.4 IU) for most adults, the same amount during pregnancy, and slightly more, 19 mg, while nursing.
It's primarily an antioxidant, protecting cells and fats from oxidative damage. It also helps protect LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and supports your body's use of vitamin A.
There's an upper limit of 1,000 mg a day for adults (1,500 IU if it's the natural form, 1,100 IU if synthetic). Vitamin E affects platelet function, so going over that limit isn't just wasteful, it can actually increase bleeding risk.
It may offer some cardiovascular protection, partly through protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation and helping inhibit excessive platelet clumping.