Vitamin E Supplements: Benefits and Availability

Vitamin E supplements are products designed to provide the body with additional vitamin E, a nutrient essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function.

Vitamin E Supplements FAQ

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What is vitamin E & how does it work?

Your body uses vitamin E for multiple purposes, including protecting you from oxidative stress and supporting your immune system. You can get vitamin E from certain foods and dietary supplements. Though vitamin E is often thought of as a single compound, it’s actually a group of eight fat-soluble compounds with powerful antioxidant effects ( 1 ).

Should you take vitamin E?

If you take vitamin E for its antioxidant properties, keep in mind that the supplement might not offer the same benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants in food. Foods rich in vitamin E include canola oil, olive oil, margarine, almonds and peanuts. You can also get vitamin E from meats, dairy, leafy greens and fortified cereals.

How much vitamin E should I take a day?

If you take vitamin E supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 540mg (800 IU) or less a day of vitamin E supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. Find out about Vitamin E, including what it does, how much you need, and how to make sure you get enough.

What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin E?

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 mg. Most vitamin E supplements provide around 67 mg of the nutrient, which is much greater than the RDA. Those requiring a vitamin E supplement likely have a diagnosed vitamin E deficiency, which is much more appropriate for the 60 to 75 mg daily dosage provided in a supplement.