Supplement · Vitamins
Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Also known as: Tocopherol, Tocotrienols
A fat-soluble antioxidant where high-dose supplements have disappointed and may harm.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Vitamin E is a family of fat-soluble antioxidants that protect cell membranes. A dietary sufficiency matters, but deficiency is rare on a normal diet.
High-dose vitamin E supplements have repeatedly failed to deliver the hoped-for heart or cancer benefits, and large doses may slightly raise certain risks and, like other high-dose antioxidants, blunt some beneficial exercise adaptations. Food sources such as nuts and seeds are the sensible route.