What is vitamin E?
Discover how getting enough vitamin E helps maintain good health. Learn how much we need, which foods are the best sources and which recipes to try.
Vitamin E is an important nutrient that helps our bodies function at their best. It is fat-soluble, which means it can be stored in the body – making it more difficult to excrete when recommended levels are met.
Naturally occurring vitamin E (tocopherol) exists in eight chemical forms (alpha [α]-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol). Stored in the liver, α-tocopherol is incorporated into lipoproteins – a group of soluble proteins that combine with and transport fat in the blood to body tissues.
Check out our Vitamins and Minerals Information Hub to learn more about key nutrients – from whether you’re getting enough vitamin D to the top 10 healthiest sources of vitamin C, plus vital minerals you need in your diet.
Why do we need vitamin E?
α-tocopherol has an extremely important role in the body, as it acts as an antioxidant, preventing the formation of tissue-damaging free radicals in cells and lipoproteins.
Vitamin E benefits include:
- Effective towards anti-aging
- Has antioxidant properties, effective against diseases like cancer
- Helps against symptoms of arthritis
- Shown to be effective against signs of cataracts
- Evidence shows it may strengthen the immune system
How much vitamin E do we need?
The NHS recommends a daily intake of 4mg a day for men and 3mg a day for women. Intakes of 3.8-6.2mg a day appear to be satisfactory for pregnant and lactating women.
You should be able to get all the vitamin E you need from a balanced and varied diet.
Can we have too much vitamin E?
Some studies show that large doses of vitamin E may inhibit vitamin K, and therefore interfere with blood coagulation. In addition, use of vitamin E supplements may also increase the risk of bleeding in individuals taking blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel or other medications including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
Speak to your GP if you are concerned about nutritional deficiencies or considering taking supplements.
Which foods are good sources of vitamin E?
Rich sources of vitamin E include:
- High-fat foods such as safflower oil, margarine and wheat germ
- Nuts, nut butters and seeds
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Eggs
- Tuna
- Herring
- Swiss chard
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Fortified cereals
Recipes high in vitamin E
Avocado salad
Swiss chard & kohlrabi with lemon sauce
Anytime eggs
Broccoli with a crunch
Tuna, avocado & quinoa salad
Moroccan-spiced tuna
Ginger, sesame and chilli prawn & broccoli stir-fry
Grilled herrings with mustard & basil dressing
Herring & beetroot salad
Bircher muesli with apple & banana
High-fibre muesli
More on vitamins and minerals
Five nutrients every woman needs
What is magnesium?
What is folic acid?
What is potassium?
The best sources of vitamin C
Am I getting enough vitamin D?
Best vitamin D supplements
This content was updated on 19th October 2023.
Emer Delaney BSc (Hons), RD has an honours degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ulster. She has worked as a dietitian in some of London's top teaching hospitals and is currently based in Chelsea.
All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
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