P1

Vitamin E is found in nuts, olive oil, and sunflower oil. The body uses vitamin E as an antioxidant to help fight damage to cells. Vitamin E can be taken as a pill and has been used to promote heart health. It has also been used to improve muscle and brain function.

Vitamin E can also be applied to the skin as an oil. It has been used to protect the skin from aging and damage from chemotherapy.

Dosages

400 milligrams 1 to 2 times daily

P5

Likely effective

  • Age-related cataract prevention—likely to lower the risk A1, A2
  • Cervical cancer—likely to lower the risk of cervical cancer F1
  • Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy—likely to prevent G1
  • Diabetes—likely to improve blood glucose, blood fat, and insulin levels J1-J3
  • Heart attack—likely to lower risk N1
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—likely to improve liver function U1

May be effective

May not be effective

  • Eczema—may not provide benefit D1
  • Dysmenorrhea—may not ease symptoms L1
  • Female subfertility—may not provide benefit M1
  • Liver disease—may not provide benefit Q1
  • Mild cognitive impairment—may not lower the risk of getting dementia S1
  • Miscarriage—may not prevent miscarriage T1

Unlikely to be effective

Not enough data to assess

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

P6

It is likely safe to use vitamin E on the skin and to take it orally in small doses for a short time. Doses higher than 1000 milligrams per day may not be safe. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid high doses of vitamin E.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.