Vitamin E

Also known as tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienols, d-alpha tocopherol.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Vitamin E?

In plain words

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. The body absorbs it with fat and uses it to help protect cell membranes from damage. Researchers study its role in healthy aging, immune function, and heart and brain health, but supplements have not consistently prevented chronic disease. High-dose supplements can increase bleeding risk.

Technical definition

Vitamin E is a family of eight fat-soluble compounds—four tocopherols and four tocotrienols—with a chromanol ring and a hydrophobic side chain; alpha-tocopherol is the form preferentially retained in humans. It acts primarily as a lipid-phase antioxidant rather than through a single receptor, interrupting lipid peroxidation chain reactions, while hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein helps maintain its distribution to tissues. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient available in foods and dietary supplements; in the United States, supplements are not FDA-approved treatments for disease.

Educational information only. This page does not provide medical advice or determine whether a supplement is appropriate for you. Review supplements with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you take medication, are pregnant, have surgery scheduled, or have a chronic medical condition.

Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.