Supplement
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. People most often look at it for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, where the evidence is strong and a large trial in NASH found improved liver tissue features. Still, the few studies on death from any cause or bilirubin found no clear difference, and that evidence is very limited.
Sources: PMID 20427778
- Updated
- How we grade
- 63 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade B
- Conditions studied
- 42
- Outcomes
- 274
- Graded outcomes
- 02332
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 3 studies | 498 people | ||
Studies that measured dysmenorrhea symptoms
| ||||||
| Menstrual Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 278 people | ||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Kidney Injury Incidence Moderate Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 357 people | |||
| Creatinine | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 478 people | |||
Studies that measured creatinine | ||||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 425 people | ||||
Type 1 Diabetes
- Blood Flow
- LDL Oxidation: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Flow Mixed effect | 2 studies | 41 people | ||||
| LDL Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 41 people | ||||
Cystic Fibrosis
- Plasma Vitamin E: improves
- Weight: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma Vitamin E Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 141 people | ||
Studies that measured plasma vitamin e | ||||||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 141 people | |||
Studies that measured weight | ||||||
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Anxiety Symptoms: improves
- PMS Symptoms: improves
- Depression Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Symptoms Small Improvement | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 58 people | |||
| PMS Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 213 people | |||
Studies that measured pms symptoms | ||||||
| Depression Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 58 people | ||||
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms: improves
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 3 studies | 14,262 people | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 774 people | |||
Studies that measured alzheimer's disease symptoms | ||||||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 820 people | ||||
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 3 studies | 1,589 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 820 people | ||||
Dementia
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 3 studies | 820 people | |||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 820 people | ||||
Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease Risk
- Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms: changes; see studies
- Cognition: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 3 studies | 14,262 people | |||
| Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 774 people | |||
Studies that measured alzheimer's disease symptoms | ||||||
| Cognition | Improves (the measure goes up) | 820 people | ||||
General Cardiovascular Health
- All-Cause Mortality
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 39,876 people | |||
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect | NoneNo effect | 88 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 172 people | |||
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers
| ||||||
| Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 132 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 102 people | |||
| Stroke Risk | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 39,876 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 293 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 194 people | |||
| Cardiovascular Disease Mortality | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 39,876 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 162 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Neutrophil Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 183 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Arterial Stiffness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 36 people | ||||
| Bilirubin | Changes; see studies | 88 people | ||||
| Bleeding Time | Changes; see studies | 88 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 120 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 135 people | ||||
| Cell Adhesion Factors | Improves (the measure goes down) | 39 people | ||||
| Endothelin-1 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 63 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 63 people | ||||
| Heart Attack Risk | Changes; see studies | 39,876 people | ||||
| Hematocrit | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Homocysteine | Improves (the measure goes down) | 88 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction | Improves (the measure goes up) | 63 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 300 people | ||||
| Lymphocyte Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Neutrophil Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Platelet Aggregation | Changes; see studies | 39 people | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people | ||||
| Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease | Improves (the measure goes down) | 39,876 people | ||||
| Serum Cobalamin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum Folate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum Platelets | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people | ||||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people | ||||
Stroke
- All-Cause Mortality
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
- Stroke Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 39,876 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 39 people | |||
| Stroke Risk | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 148,016 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 39 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 39 people | |||
Studies that measured triglycerides | ||||||
| Cardiovascular Disease Mortality | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 39,876 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 39 people | |||
| Cell Adhesion Factors | Improves (the measure goes down) | 39 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 78 people | ||||
| Platelet Aggregation | Changes; see studies | 39 people | ||||
General Cancer Care and Prevention
- All-Cause Mortality
- Prostate Cancer Risk: improves
- Stroke Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 89,293 people | |||
| Prostate Cancer Risk | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 45,074 people | |||
Studies that measured prostate cancer risk
| ||||||
| Stroke Risk | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 89,293 people | |||
| Cardiovascular Disease Mortality | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 89,293 people | |||
Studies that measured cardiovascular disease mortality | ||||||
| Breast Cancer Risk | Changes; see studies | 89,293 people | ||||
| Cancer Mortality | Improves (the measure goes down) | 49,417 people | ||||
| Colorectal Cancer Risk | Improves (the measure goes down) | 89,293 people | ||||
| Esophageal Cancer Risk | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people | ||||
| Heart Failure Risk | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people | ||||
| Lung Cancer Risk | Changes; see studies | 49,417 people | ||||
| Major Adverse Cardiac Events | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people | ||||
| Melanoma Risk | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people | ||||
| Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease | Improves (the measure goes down) | 39,876 people | ||||
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- All-Cause Mortality
- Liver Enzymes: improves
- Liver Fat: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 351 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 708 people | |||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 1,008 people | |||
| Liver Fibrosis | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,008 people |
Aerobic Exercise Performance
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Blood Lactate (Exercise): changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 68 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 68 people | |||
| Blood Lactate (Exercise) | Changes; see studies | 30 people | ||||
| Cortisol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 38 people | ||||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Homocysteine | Improves (the measure goes down) | 38 people | ||||
| Muscle Damage | Changes; see studies | 30 people |
Cardiovascular Disease
- All-Cause Mortality
- Prostate Cancer Risk: improves
- Stroke Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 49,417 people | |||
| Prostate Cancer Risk | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 9,541 people | |||
| Stroke Risk | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 49,417 people | |||
| Cardiovascular Disease Mortality | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 49,417 people | |||
| Heart Failure Risk | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people | ||||
| Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction | Improves (the measure goes up) | 9,541 people | ||||
| Lung Cancer Risk | Changes; see studies | 49,417 people | ||||
| Major Adverse Cardiac Events | Changes; see studies | 9,541 people |
Cataracts
- All-Cause Mortality
- Cataract Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 1,038 people | |||
| Cataract Risk | Changes; see studies | 1,038 people |
Cycling Performance
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Blood Lactate (Exercise): changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 30 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 30 people | |||
| Blood Lactate (Exercise) | Changes; see studies | 30 people | ||||
| Heart Rate | Improves (the measure goes down) | 30 people | ||||
| Muscle Damage | Changes; see studies | 30 people |
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
- All-Cause Mortality
- Weight: improves
- Hemoglobin: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 451 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 451 people | |||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 451 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 902 people | ||||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk | Changes; see studies | 451 people |
Muscle Recovery
- Aerobic Exercise Metrics
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Cortisol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Exercise Metrics No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 38 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 38 people | |||
| Cortisol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 38 people |
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
- All-Cause Mortality
- Weight: improves
- Hemoglobin: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Cause Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 2 studies | 451 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 451 people | |||
| Hemoglobin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 451 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 902 people | ||||
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk | Changes; see studies | 451 people |
Asthma
- Asthma Symptoms
- Immunoglobulin E: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asthma Symptoms No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 64 people | |||
| Immunoglobulin E | Improves (the measure goes up) | 64 people |
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Free Testosterone
- Luteinizing Hormone: improves
- Prolactin: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Testosterone No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 36 people | |||
| Luteinizing Hormone | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people | ||||
| Prolactin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 36 people |
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 35 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 70 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 35 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 35 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 35 people |
High Cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 35 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 70 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 35 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 35 people | |||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 35 people |
Cognitive Improvement
- Cognitive Decline
- Memory: improves
- Verbal Fluency: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Decline No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 6,377 people | |||
| Memory | Improves (the measure goes up) | 6,377 people | ||||
| Verbal Fluency | Improves (the measure goes up) | 6,377 people |
General Gut Health
- Serum T4
- Triglycerides: improves
- Sexual Function: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum T4 No effect | NoneNo effect | 1 study | 184 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Sexual Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
Type 2 Diabetes
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Blood Flow: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect | NoneNo effect | 55 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 55 people | |||
| Blood Flow | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 69 people | |||
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 55 people | |||
| DNA Damage | Changes; see studies | 2 studies | 78 people | |||
| Thromboxane B2 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 58 people | |||
| TNF-Alpha | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 55 people | |||
| Type 2 Diabetes Incidence | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 38,716 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 55 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 74 people | ||||
| Cell Adhesion Factors | Improves (the measure goes down) | 113 people | ||||
| HbA1c | Improves (the measure goes down) | 55 people | ||||
| Insulin | Changes; see studies | 19 people | ||||
| Interleukin 6 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 55 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 55 people | ||||
| LDL Oxidation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 40 people | ||||
| Leukotriene B4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 110 people | ||||
| Platelet Aggregation | Changes; see studies | 58 people |
Metabolic Health
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect | NoneNo effect | 88 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 72 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 368 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 332 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 88 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 167 people | |||
| Neutrophil Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 351 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 148 people | |||
| Arterial Stiffness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 36 people | ||||
| Bilirubin | Changes; see studies | 88 people | ||||
| Bleeding Time | Changes; see studies | 319 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 120 people | ||||
| Blood Pressure | Improves (the measure goes down) | 72 people | ||||
| Hematocrit | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Homocysteine | Improves (the measure goes down) | 88 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Kidney Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 47 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 124 people | ||||
| Lymphocyte Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 216 people | ||||
| Serum Cobalamin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum Folate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 323 people | ||||
| Sexual Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
Immune Health
- B Cell Count
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Interferon Gamma: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B Cell Count No effect | NoneNo effect | 53 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 32 people | |||
| Interferon Gamma | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 322 people | |||
| CD8 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 53 people | |||
| Creatinine | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| Immunoglobulin G | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 140 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| CD4 Lymphocytes | Improves (the measure goes up) | 53 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 281 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin A | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Immunoglobulin M | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Interleukin 2 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 193 people | ||||
| Interleukin 4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 322 people | ||||
| Natural Killer Cell Content | Improves (the measure goes up) | 53 people | ||||
| Prostaglandin E2 | Improves (the measure goes down) | 32 people | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Vaccine Augmentation | Improves (the measure goes up) | 196 people |
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Bilirubin
- Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
- Total cholesterol: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilirubin No effect | NoneNo effect | 222 people | ||||
| Oxidative Stress Biomarkers | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 43 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 244 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 244 people | |||
| Cirrhosis Severity | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 239 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 222 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 1,008 people | |||
| Liver Fat | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 1,008 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 244 people | |||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 222 people | ||||
| Glycemic Control | Improves (the measure goes up) | 239 people | ||||
| Liver Fibrosis | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1,008 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 222 people | ||||
| Serum TGF-β | Improves (the measure goes up) | 22 people |
Prostate Cancer
- Cancer Mortality
- Prostate Cancer Risk: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer Mortality No effect | NoneNo effect | 29,133 people | ||||
| Prostate Cancer Risk | Improves (the measure goes down) | 4 studies | 100,199 people |
General Liver Health
- Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile No effect | NoneNo effect | 88 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 120 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 120 people | |||
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 88 people | |||
| Liver Enzymes | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Neutrophil Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 32 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Weight | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| White Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 120 people | |||
| Bilirubin | Changes; see studies | 88 people | ||||
| Bleeding Time | Changes; see studies | 88 people | ||||
| Blood glucose | Improves (the measure goes down) | 120 people | ||||
| Hematocrit | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Homocysteine | Improves (the measure goes down) | 88 people | ||||
| Immunity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) | Improves (the measure goes down) | 88 people | ||||
| Lymphocyte Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 32 people | ||||
| Neutrophil Activity | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people | ||||
| Serum Cobalamin | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum Folate | Improves (the measure goes up) | 88 people | ||||
| Serum Platelets | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people | ||||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 120 people |
Infertility
- Seminal Motility
- Sperm Count: improves
- Sperm Quality: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminal Motility No effect | NoneNo effect | |||||
| Sperm Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | |||||
| Sperm Quality | Improves (the measure goes up) |
Hormone Health
- Lymphocyte Count
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphocyte Count No effect | NoneNo effect | 184 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 184 people | |||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Sexual Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
Mood Improvement
- Bleeding Time
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bleeding Time No effect | NoneNo effect | 184 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 184 people | |||
| Lymphocyte Count | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Sexual Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
Sexual Health
- Lymphocyte Count
- Total cholesterol: improves
- Triglycerides: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphocyte Count No effect | NoneNo effect | 184 people | ||||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 2 studies | 184 people | |||
| Serum T4 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 184 people | |||
| Serum T3 | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Sexual Function | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people | ||||
| Subjective Well-Being | Improves (the measure goes up) | 184 people |
Skin Health
- Scar Healing: improves
- Erythema: worsens
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scar Healing | Improves (the measure goes up) | 2 studies | 169 people | |||
| Erythema Small Detriment | Worsens (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 169 people |
Breast Pain
- Breast Tenderness: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Tenderness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 240 people |
Hair Loss
- Hair Regrowth: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Regrowth | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 35 people |
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 39,144 people |
Ulcerative Colitis
- Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 14 people |
Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clotting)
- Thromboembolism Risk: changes; see studies
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thromboembolism Risk | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 26,779 people |
What the published studies found
7 automated readings
LDL cholesterol
The studies disagree. The best available review (2026, 12 studies) found little or no difference in LDL cholesterol, while 3 of the 4 studies read found an improvement. The evidence is very weak.
4 studies counted of 9 read: 4 reviews.
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 12 studies; adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
no significant change was observed in
Efficacy of Vitamin E on Lipid Profile in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Meta-analysis, 2025; 28 studies: improves.
overall vitamin E administration in diabetic patients significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: - 5.20 …
Effects of vitamin E administration on serum lipid profile in diabetic patients: a grade-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of RCTs - Meta-analysis, 2021; 7 studies; adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: improves.
Additionally, vitamin E improved statistically significantly liver pathology in every individual histological parameter as well …
Systematic review with meta-analysis: The effect of vitamin E supplementation in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - Meta-analysis, 2021; children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: improves.
vitamin E significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Vitamin E in paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 12 studies; adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Blood pressure
Mixed or unclear: two readings of the studies disagreed. One reading found mixed results for blood pressure, the other an improvement. The question is open.
Possible harm: 1 study read reported a worse result for blood pressure with Vitamin E. One abstract says: "We did observe an overall increase in BW (SMD: 0.063 kg, 95% CI: -0.200, 0.327, p = 0.637) and DBP (SMD: 0.249 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.053, 0.446, p = 0.013)." Check the studies below, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.
6 studies counted of 10 read: 6 reviews.
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 52 studies, 1,425 people; individuals with type 2 diabetes: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
observed only with vitamin C and combined
Effects of Vitamin C and/or E Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Subgroup Meta-analysis - Systematic review, 2024; 23 studies, 2,218 people; adults with essential hypertension: improves.
only vitamin E was significantly more effective at reducing SBP
Effect of vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid in adults with essential hypertension: a systematic review and network meta-analysis - Meta-analysis, 2023; general, normotensive population: improves.
Vitamin E and potassium only yielded significant reductions in SBP
Vitamins and Minerals for Blood Pressure Reduction in the General, Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Supplements - Meta-analysis, 2022; 17 studies; all individuals, irrespective of health condition: mixed results.
significant reduction in SBP was observed
The effects of tocotrienols intake on obesity, blood pressure, inflammation, liver and glucose biomarkers: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Meta-analysis, 2019; 18 studies, 839 people: improves.
SBP decreased significantly in vitamin E group
Effect of vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Meta-analysis, 2017; 60 studies: no clear difference.
ViE-m use had no impact on lipid profile, dialysis adequacy, blood pressure
Effects of Vitamin E-Coated versus Conventional Membranes in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Meta-analysis, 2026; 52 studies, 1,425 people; individuals with type 2 diabetes: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Cardiovascular events
The studies read do not show a clear benefit for cardiovascular events. One reading found evidence too weak to tell, a second reading of the same search found little or no difference. The evidence is very weak.
4 studies counted of 11 read: 4 reviews.
- Systematic review, 2026; 58 studies: unclear: evidence too weak to tell (the review the verdict rests on).
almost all of the trials suggested no beneficial impact
Vitamin E and heart disease: a thematic systematic review - Meta-analysis, 2015; 16 studies: improves.
vitamin E given alone significantly decreased myocardial infarction
Supplementation with vitamin E alone is associated with reduced myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis - Meta-analysis, 2013; 15 studies, 188,209 people: no clear difference.
had no effect on major cardiovascular events
Effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Meta-analysis, 2004; 7 studies: no clear difference.
neither a statistically significant nor a clinically important effect
Randomized trials of vitamin E in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease
- Systematic review, 2026; 58 studies: unclear: evidence too weak to tell (the review the verdict rests on).
Memory
A Cochrane review (2018, 1 study, 516 people) found little or no difference in memory. That review studied people with mild cognitive impairment. All 2 studies read agree. The evidence is limited.
2 studies counted of 9 read: 2 reviews.
- Meta-analysis, 2018; 1 study, 516 people; people with mild cognitive impairment: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
no significant effect of three years of supplementation with vitamin E on
Vitamin and mineral supplementation for preventing dementia or delaying cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment - Systematic review, 2018; 38 studies; adults with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment: no clear difference.
vitamin E had no benefit on cognition
Over-the-Counter Supplement Interventions to Prevent Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Clinical Alzheimer-Type Dementia: A Systematic Review
- Meta-analysis, 2018; 1 study, 516 people; people with mild cognitive impairment: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Respiratory infections
The 2 studies read (29,633 people in all) mostly found little or no difference in respiratory infections. The evidence is limited.
2 studies counted of 10 read: 2 trials (29,633 people in the trials).
- Randomised trial, 2010; 500 people; elderly nursing home residents: unclear: evidence too weak to tell.
effect of vitamin E on lower RI depended on sex
IL-2 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms are associated with respiratory tract infection and may modulate the effect of vitamin E on lower respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents - Randomised trial, 2004; 29,133 people; male smokers aged 50 to 69 years: no clear difference. Vitamin E and beta-carotene supplementation and hospital-treated pneumonia incidence in male smokers
- Randomised trial, 2010; 500 people; elderly nursing home residents: unclear: evidence too weak to tell.
Skin aging
Too few usable studies were found to tell whether Vitamin E changes skin aging. 10 studies were read and none could be counted.
Stress
The best available review (2024, 20 studies, 298 people) found little or no difference in stress. That review studied healthy adults after exercise. The evidence is moderate.
1 study counted of 10 read: 1 review.
- Meta-analysis, 2024; 20 studies, 298 people; healthy adults after exercise: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
vitamin E had no effects on lipid
Vitamin E Does not Favor Recovery After Exercises: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Meta-analysis, 2024; 20 studies, 298 people; healthy adults after exercise: no clear difference (the review the verdict rests on).
Key findings
- Dysmenorrhea SymptomsImproves (the measure goes down)
- Acute Kidney Injury IncidenceImproves (the measure goes down)
- Blood Flow
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- Grade B
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Studies cited
63 studies from PubMed
- The Effect of Dietary Supplements on Male Infertility in Terms of Pregnancy, Live Birth, and Sperm Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Clinical effectiveness of vitamin E and vitamin B6 for improving pain severity in cyclic mastalgia
- Evaluating the effects of vitamin D and vitamin E supplement on premenstrual syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
- Daily supplementation of tocotrienol-rich fraction or alpha-tocopherol did not induce immunomodulatory changes in healthy human volunteers
- Effects of supplementation with tocotrienol-rich fraction on immune response to tetanus toxoid immunization in normal healthy volunteers
- Effect of 50- and 100-mg vitamin E supplements on cellular immune function in noninstitutionalized elderly persons
- Vitamin E supplementation enhances cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly subjects
- Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial
- Effects of gamma-tocopherol supplementation on thrombotic risk factors
- Aspirin prevents stroke but not MI in women; vitamin E has no effect on CV disease or cancer
- Effects of vitamin E on stroke: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
- Effects of vitamin E on stroke subtypes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
- The effect of vitamin E on endothelial function of micro- and macrocirculation and left ventricular function in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients
- The relationship between dose of vitamin E and suppression of oxidative stress in humans
- Effects of vitamin E on lipid peroxidation in healthy persons
- Dose dependent elevation of plasma tocotrienol levels and its effect on arterial compliance, plasma total antioxidant status, and lipid profile in healthy humans supplemented with tocotrienol rich vitamin E
- Assessment of the safety of supplementation with different amounts of vitamin E in healthy older adults
- Assessment of the safety of high-dose, short-term supplementation with vitamin E in healthy older adults
- Effect of oral vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) supplementation on vascular endothelial function in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Vitamin E in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: the Women's Health Study: a randomized controlled trial
- Effect of selenium and vitamin E on risk of prostate cancer and other cancers: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)
- Prostate cancer and supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene: incidence and mortality in a controlled trial
- Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)
- Effects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial
- Pioglitazone, vitamin E, or placebo for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 level and efficacy of alpha-tocopherol in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a pilot study
- Long-term (>=2 yr) efficacy of vitamin E for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Vitamin E improves serum markers and histology in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Effects of alpha-tocopherol and mixed tocopherol supplementation on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes
- Supplementation with mixed tocopherols increases serum and blood cell gamma-tocopherol but does not alter biomarkers of platelet activation in subjects with type 2 diabetes
- Pro-oxidant effect of alpha-tocopherol in patients with type 2 diabetes after an oral glucose tolerance test--a randomised controlled trial
- Increased DNA oxidative susceptibility without increased plasma LDL oxidizability in Type II diabetes: effects of alpha-tocopherol supplementation
- Vitamin E and risk of type 2 diabetes in the women's health study randomized controlled trial
- Vitamin E in the primary prevention of rheumatoid arthritis: the Women's Health Study
- Study on the effect of megavitamin E supplementation in man
- Megavitamin E supplementation in man
- Effects of elevated d-alpha(RRR)-tocopherol dosage in man
- A randomised placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of vitamin E in treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea
- A randomised controlled trial of vitamin E in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea
- Evaluation of the effect of vitamin E on pelvic pain reduction in women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea
- Effect of vitamin E therapy on sexual functions of uremic patients in hemodialysis
- The effect of alpha-tocopherol on premenstrual symptomatology: a double-blind study. II. Endocrine correlates
- alpha-Tocopherol supplementation in racing cyclists during extreme endurance training
- Effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on plasma homocysteine and oxidative stress in highly trained athletes before and after exhaustive exercise
- Vitamin E supplementation improves endothelial function in type I diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled study
- Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial
- Effects of random allocation to vitamin E supplementation on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism: report from the Women's Health Study
- Vitamin E supplementation and cataract: randomized controlled trial
- Vitamin E supplements in asthma: a parallel group randomised placebo controlled trial
- Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers
- Effects of vitamin E supplementation on the risk and progression of AD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Vitamin E and donepezil for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment
- Vitamin E for Alzheimer's dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Effect of vitamin E and memantine on functional decline in Alzheimer disease: the TEAM-AD VA cooperative randomized trial
- A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study
- A randomized trial of vitamin E supplementation and cognitive function in women
- Failure of topical steroids and vitamin E to reduce postoperative scar formation following reconstructive surgery
- The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars
- Therapeutic effects of vitamin E on cyclic mastalgia
- Rectal administration of d-alpha tocopherol for active ulcerative colitis: a preliminary report
- Vitamin E supplementation in people with cystic fibrosis.
- Vitamin E for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Renal protective effects of vitamin E for drug-induced kidney injury: a meta-analysis.