Vitamin E

What does the research say about Vitamin E?

8 health outcomes synthesised

Vitamin E supplementation has been studied across 8 health outcomes, with the strongest evidence supporting its role in reducing liver enzymes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The most researched outcome is reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, supported by 5 studies showing small beneficial effects at doses of 300–1000 IU/day over 8–12 weeks. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) reduction and pain relief also show moderate-strength evidence, primarily in NAFLD and chronic pain populations respectively.

Strongest evidence

Three outcomes carry moderate evidence strength. For reduced AST (5 studies), 3 of 5 showed small beneficial effects in NAFLD/NASH/MASLD patients, with doses 300–1000 IU/day. For reduced ALT (4 studies), all 4 reported beneficial effects in NAFLD (3 significant), dose 400–1000 IU/day. For reduced pain (3 studies), all three reported small beneficial effects in fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, and oral mucosal diseases, often combined with other nutrients. Caveats include possible publication bias and small study sizes.

Mixed or weaker evidence

Five outcomes have low evidence strength. Reduced malondialdehyde (1 beneficial of 3) showed a large effect in epilepsy patients, but two neutral studies limit confidence. Reduced TNF-α (1 beneficial of 3) showed a small reduction in NASH patients with 400 IU twice daily, but no effect in hemodialysis or sarcopenic women. Reduced vitamin E level (1 beneficial of 3) found an association between lower vitamin E and vitiligo, but does not support supplementation. Reduced inflammation (3 of 3 beneficial) had mixed effect sizes (small to large) across GI surgery, sarcopenia, and NAFLD populations, dose 335 mg/day. Improved sperm morphology (1 beneficial of 3) showed moderate effect in asthenozoospermia/teratozoospermia with 300 mg/day, but two studies neutral.

Effective dose patterns

Liver outcomes converge on 300–1000 IU/day (AST) and 400–1000 IU/day (ALT). Inflammation outcomes used 335 mg/day (approximately 500 IU). Pain studies did not report a clear effective dose. Sperm morphology had one study using 300 mg/day.

Population insights

The most studied populations are patients with NAFLD/NASH/MASLD (for liver enzymes) and chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel). Other populations include epilepsy, hemodialysis, sarcopenic older women, and men with infertility. Effects are not well-established in healthy individuals.

Notable caveats

Publication bias is flagged for many outcomes — overwhelmingly positive results may overestimate effects.
Most evidence bases are small (3–5 studies), making conclusions preliminary.
Some studies used vitamin E alongside other supplements, making it difficult to isolate its effect.
Many individual studies did not reach statistical significance, suggesting true effect sizes may be smaller than observed.

Frequently asked

What is Vitamin E good for according to research?
Research shows moderate evidence that vitamin E may help reduce liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH/MASLD). Studies also suggest small benefits for pain reduction in conditions like fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. For other outcomes such as inflammation, oxidative stress markers, and sperm morphology, evidence is more limited and mixed.
What dose of Vitamin E is typically used in studies?
The most common doses studied for liver outcomes range from 300 to 1000 IU per day. For inflammation, one study used 335 mg/day (around 500 IU). A pain study did not report a clear effective dose. When effective doses are reported, the range is typically 300–1000 IU/day, often taken for 8–12 weeks.
Who benefits most from Vitamin E?
Studies show the strongest benefits in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH/MASLD) for reducing liver enzymes. Pain reduction is observed in patients with fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and oral mucosal diseases. Other populations studied include men with infertility (for sperm morphology) and people undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (for inflammation), but evidence is weaker in these groups.
Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Vitamin E?
Yes. Many outcomes are based on only 3–5 studies, making conclusions preliminary. The research may be subject to publication bias, meaning positive results are more likely to be published. Some studies did not reach statistical significance, and many used vitamin E in combination with other supplements, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to vitamin E.
Does Vitamin E help improve sperm morphology?
Evidence is mixed. Of 3 studies in men with infertility, only one (2022) showed a moderate beneficial effect on sperm morphology with 300 mg/day for 90 days. Two smaller studies found no significant benefit over placebo or comparators. The evidence base is too small to draw firm conclusions.
Does Vitamin E reduce inflammation?
Three studies all reported beneficial effects on reducing inflammation across different populations (post-surgery, sarcopenic older women, NAFLD patients). Effect sizes ranged from small to large, and effects were typically observed at 8–12 weeks with a dose of 335 mg/day. However, the total evidence base is small and results may not be generalizable.

Moderate evidenceReduced Aspartate Aminotransferase Level
Moderate evidenceReduced Alanine Aminotransferase Level
Moderate evidenceReduced Pain
Low evidenceReduced Inflammation
Low evidenceImproved Sperm Morphology
Low evidenceReduced Vitamin E Level
Low evidenceReduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Low evidenceReduced Malondialdehyde Level
Reduced Interleukin-1β Levels
Reduced Oxidative Stress

Most-studied combinations with Vitamin E

most supplement research is combination research

Low evidence
withVitamin CforReduced Pain· 3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of the Vitamin E and Vitamin C combination on pain reduction, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate and all findings statistically significant. Compared to Vitamin C alone (moderate evidence, small effect), the combination shows a similar directional benefit but the limited number of studies precludes a definitive comparison. The median study duration was 60 days (reported in 1 of 3 studies). No form data were reported for either substance.

Also studied with:L-Glutamine (4), N-Acetyl Cysteine (5), Acetyl-Carnitine (4), L-Carnitine (4), Turmeric (4), Polypodium Leucotomos (2), Ginkgo (2), Resveratrol (2), Blood Orange (2), Quercetin (2), Thistle (3), Berberine (2)

View Google Sheets

E - 1000
By Swanson
4.7 (26 reviews)
In Stock
Pricing Information
Ingredient Vitamin E
Amount per Pill 671.1 mg
Total Amount 167.78 g
Price per mg USD 0.0003
Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients Amount Per Serving
Vitamin E
Vitamin E
671.1 mg
d-alpha tocopheryl acetate
Vitamin E
-
Product Description
Supports cardiovascular health and helps maintain healthy blood vessels
Provides antioxidant protection to combat free radicals and oxidative stress
Enhances skin health by promoting elasticity and hydration
Aids in boosting the immune system to defend against infections
Helps improve overall cellular function and longevity
High potency formula with 1000 IU of Vitamin E per softgel
Easy-to-swallow softgel format for convenient daily intake
Made with pure and reliable ingredients to ensure quality and efficacy
Other ingredients
softgel (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water)
soybean oil
Free of
-
Serving Size: 1
Servings per Container: 250
Pill Type: Softgel
Flavor: -
UPC: 087614011455
Available From
Available From
Merchant Price Stock Action
Amazon
$-
Out
iHerb
$43.49
In
Vitacost
$-
Out
Vitamin Shoppe
$-
Out

Aces + Zn

By Carlson

4.9 (1.1K reviews)

In Stock

Pricing Information
Ingredient	Vitamin E
Amount per Pill	134 mg
Total Amount	96.48 g
Price per mg	USD 0.0008

Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients	Amount Per Serving
Calories	-
Total Fat	1 g
Total Carbohydrate	< 1 g
Protein	< 1 g
Vitamin A Vitamin A	3,000 mcg RAE
beta carotene Vitamin A	-
Vitamin C Vitamin C	500 mg
calcium ascorbate Vitamin C Calcium	-
Vitamin E Vitamin E	268 mg
d-alpha tocopherol Vitamin E	-
calcium Calcium	56 mg
calcium ascorbate Vitamin C Calcium	-
dicalcium phosphate Calcium	-
zinc Zinc	15 mg
zinc citrate Zinc	-
selenium Selenium	100 mcg
l-selenomethionine Selenium	-

Gluten Free

Product Description

Supports Immune Health: Contains Vitamin C and Zinc, essential for maintaining a robust immune system.
Promotes Skin Health: Vitamin A aids in the maintenance of healthy skin and vision.
Boosts Antioxidant Protection: High levels of Vitamin E help combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
Bone and Muscle Support: Contains calcium to promote bone health, and selenium which is crucial for muscle function.
Convenient Softgel Form: Easy-to-swallow softgels are perfect for those who prefer a simple and mess-free supplement regimen.
Gluten Free: Safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Other ingredients

sunflower oil
soft gel shell (beef gelatin, glycerin, water, carob)
beeswax
soy lecithin

Free of

Serving Size: 2

Servings per Container: 180

Pill Type: Softgel

Flavor: -

UPC: 088395044243

E-Gems Elite

By Carlson

5 (40 reviews)

In Stock

Pricing Information
Ingredient	Vitamin E
Amount per Pill	670 mg
Total Amount	80.4 g
Price per mg	USD 0.001

Supplement Ingredients
Ingredients	Amount Per Serving
Vitamin E Vitamin E	670 mg
d-Alpha Tocopherol Vitamin E	-
d-Gamma Tocopherol Vitamin E	100 mg
d-Beta & d-Delta Tocopherol Vitamin E	40 mg
Total Tocotrienols	20 mg
Palm Oil Palm Oil	-

Gluten Free