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Vitamin E Research & Evidence

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Evidence Level

Moderate

Vitamin E research has shown a complex risk-benefit profile. The landmark 2005 meta-analysis by Miller et al. (Annals of Internal Medicine) analyzed 19 trials (n=135,967) and found that high-dose vitamin E (≥400 IU/day) was associated with increased all-cause mortality. The SELECT trial (2011, JAMA, n=35,533) found that vitamin E at 400 IU/day increased prostate cancer risk by 17% in healthy men. However, Meydani et al. (1997, JAMA) demonstrated immune benefits at 200 mg/day in the elderly, and Dysken et al. (2014, JAMA) showed vitamin E at 2,000 IU/day delayed functional decline in Alzheimer's disease. Current consensus favors obtaining vitamin E from food rather than supplements for most people.

Evidence by Condition

ConditionStudied DoseEvidence
General health15 mg (22 IU) daily, preferably from foodStrong
Immune support (elderly)200 mg (134 IU) dailyModerate
Deficiency correction100-400 IU daily under medical supervisionStrong
Full Vitamin E Guide

References

  1. (). Meta-analysis: high-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Annals of Internal Medicine. DOI
  2. (). Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. DOI
  3. (). Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. DOI
  4. (). Effect of vitamin E and memantine on functional decline in Alzheimer disease: the TEAM-AD VA cooperative randomized trial. JAMA. DOI