Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays several roles in your body, including serving as an antioxidant and boosting heart and eye health. It may also promote healthy skin, especially when applied topically.
It’s found naturally in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, fruits, and vegetables.
Most people don’t need to supplement orally with vitamin E unless a healthcare professional has directed them to do so.
Some examples of people who may need vitamin E supplements are those with conditions that cause fat malabsorption, such as Crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis.
However, if you do need to take a vitamin E supplement, there are some great options.
Here are the 10 best vitamin E supplements.
What do vitamin E supplements help with?
Vitamin E supplements can help prevent deficiency, which may be particularly important for those who have chronic conditions that affect the digestion and absorption of fat.
Vitamin E supplements may also offer other health benefits, including:
- Heart health: Some research suggests that the antioxidant effects of vitamin E could help protect against some risk factors for heart disease. However, other studies have turned up conflicting findings on the effects of supplementation (5Trusted Source).
- Eye health: Vitamin E is involved in the development of certain conditions that affect vision, such as macular degeneration. More research is needed to find out whether supplementation may be beneficial.
- Cancer prevention: Some test-tube studies suggest that vitamin E may also help slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, thanks to its antioxidant properties. However, studies in humans are limited.
- Brain function: According to one review of 22 studies, vitamin E may help preserve brain function and could therefore help slow cognitive decline. Still, additional research is needed, as studies have turned up mixed results.
How we chose
Products were included in this list based on the following criteria:
- Testing and certifications: We included products that are rigorously tested, ideally by third-party labs.
- Dose: All the products below contain at least 100% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E.
- Vitamin E type: Most of the products below feature vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol for optimal absorption.
- Ingredients: We chose products that contain minimal additives and fillers.
- Vetting: All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
Why you should trust us
Every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
Additionally, each product was selected by a registered dietitian.
Picks of the best vitamin E supplements
Best overall vitamin E supplement
Nordic Naturals Vitamin E Complex
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 15 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as RRR-alpha tocopherol), tocotrienols, non-alpha tocopherols
This vitamin E supplement from Nordic Naturals combines six highly absorbable forms of vitamin E into one simple softgel.
It boasts 100% of the DV for vitamin E per serving and is third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
Plus, it’s non-GMO verified, sustainably sourced, and free of ingredients like soy and palm oil.
- Pros
- third-party tested for purity
- contains six forms of vitamin E
- non-GMO and sustainably sourced
- made with extra-virgin olive oil to increase absorption
- Cons
- more expensive than similar supplements
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best softgel vitamin E supplement
Pure Encapsulations Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 268 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as d-alpha natural tocopherol), other tocopherols
This vitamin E supplement from Pure Encapsulations is free of gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
It contains 1,787% of the DV for vitamin E and is made simply with rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and a gelatin capsule.
Pure Encapsulations products are third-party tested by organizations including Silliker, Eurofins, Intertek, and Advanced Laboratories.
- Pros
- third-party tested to ensure safety and quality
- gluten-free and non-GMO
- free of unnecessary fillers, additives, and preservatives
- made with rapeseed oil and sunflower oil to increase absorption
- Cons
- contains gelatin, which is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best softgel vitamin E supplement runner-up
Nature Made Natural Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 267 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol)
Nature Made Natural Vitamin E is made from naturally sourced vitamin E and is a more affordable alternative to other softgels.
The supplement contains soy in the form of soybean oil. The only other ingredients in the supplement are for the softgel capsule.
Nature Made Natural Vitamin E provides 1,780% of the DV for vitamin E per serving and is verified by United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
- Pros
- affordable
- verified by USP
- made from naturally sourced vitamin E
- contains soybean oil to increase absorption
- Cons
- contains gelatin, which is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best vegan vitamin E supplement
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: capsules
Dose: 2 capsules contain 125 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamins A, D, E, and K; selenium; raw organic fruit and vegetable blend; raw probiotic and enzyme blend; and organic Vitex negundo
Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin E from Garden of Life is made with organic fruits and vegetables that are naturally rich in vitamin E. Because the softgel capsule is made with cellulose instead of gelatin, this product is vegan-friendly.
This supplement provides 833% of the DV for vitamin E per serving and contains the other fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, and K.
Just keep in mind that fat-soluble vitamins can build up in your fat cells if you take too much of them, and fat-soluble vitamin toxicity may cause severe complications such as stroke or excessive bleeding.
Therefore, it’s important not to exceed the recommended dose on the product packaging unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
The supplement is non-GMO and certified gluten-free by NSF International.
- Pros
- vegan-friendly
- certified gluten-free
- contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients
- Cons
- contains a long list of ingredients, which may not be suitable for those with allergies or food sensitivities
- relatively expensive
- does not contain oil to aid absorption
Best high dose vitamin E supplement
CVS Health Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 450 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate)
This supplement contains a high dose of vitamin E for those who have been urgently instructed to replenish their vitamin E stores by a qualified healthcare professional.
CVS is a nationwide chain of pharmacies that sells only third-party tested supplements. As such, the store’s own line of supplements, including its vitamin E, is third-party verified. However, CVS doesn’t disclose which lab conducts the testing.
This supplement is made with dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate — a form of synthetic, lab-made vitamin E — along with soybean oil and a softgel capsule .
This high dose supplement provides 1,000 IU of vitamin E, which is approximately 3,000% of the DV.
Taking high doses may lead to harmful side effects, so you should be careful with high dose vitamin E supplements like this one. It’s best to take a high dose vitamin E supplement only at the direction of a healthcare professional.
- Pros
- third-party tested
- convenient option for those who require a high dose supplement
- contains soybean oil to increase absorption
- Cons
- provides a high dose of vitamin E that is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare professional
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best-rated vitamin E supplement
Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 180 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate)
With more than 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E is a clear fan favorite.
The supplement boasts a minimal ingredient list, including synthetic vitamin E — dl-alpha tocopherol acetate — and the gel capsule ingredients (gelatin, glycerin, and water).
Each serving provides 1,200% of the DV for vitamin E. Just note that you may want to take it with a snack or meal that contains some fat to boost absorption .
Like Nature Made’s natural vitamin E product, this one is USP-verified.
- Pros
- budget-friendly
- verified by USP
- free of gluten, fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives
- Cons
- does not contain naturally sourced vitamin E, which some may prefer
- contains gelatin, which is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- should be combined with a meal or snack that contains fat within 12 hours after taking the supplement to increase absorption
Best budget-friendly vitamin E supplements
Kirkland Signature Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 180 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha tocopherol acetate)
Kirkland Signature is a private-label brand for the warehouse club Costco. However, the brand’s supplements are also available online, and they’re all USP-verified.
This synthetic vitamin E supplement provides 1,200% of the DV for vitamin E and contains only dl-alpha tocopherol acetate and softgel capsule ingredients.
To boost absorption, you should take it with a meal or snack that contains some fat .
- Pros
- cost effective
- verified by USP
- free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Cons
- does not contain naturally sourced vitamin E, which some may prefer
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- made without oil
Nutricost Vitamin E
Age range: adults
Type: softgels
Dose: 1 softgel contains 180 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
Nutricost Vitamin E is non-GMO and gluten-free. It’s made with synthetic vitamin E, a softgel capsule, and soy lecithin — a filler that helps keep the ingredients evenly suspended.
Because it contains no oil, you may want to take this supplement with a snack or meal containing fat .
This supplement provides 1,200% of the DV for vitamin E. Nutricost supplements are third-party tested, but the brand does not disclose which laboratory conducts the testing.
- Pros
- cost effective
- third-party tested
- non-GMO and gluten-free
- Cons
- doesn’t contain oil
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
- does not contain naturally sourced vitamin E, which some may prefer
- unknown whether products are tested by a reliable, well-known third-party lab
Best women’s multivitamin with vitamin E
OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi
Age range: adults
Type: gummies
Dose: 2 gummies contain 15 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorous, iodine, zinc, selenium, chromium, boron, and vitamins A, C, D, B6, and B12
Ideal for women looking to bridge gaps in their diets, OLLY The Perfect Women’s Multi contains 100% of the DV for vitamin E, as well as other essential nutrients, including vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and calcium.
This berry-flavored gummy is naturally flavored and free of gluten and artificial colors.
OLLY vitamins are third-party tested for purity and accuracy, although the brand does not disclose the name of the third-party lab.
- Pros
- third-party tested
- gluten-free
- naturally flavored and colored
- includes other essential nutrients
- Cons
- contains 3 grams of added sugar per serving
- unknown whether products are tested by a reliable, well-known third-party lab
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Best men’s multivitamin with vitamin E
Nature Made Multi for Him
Age range: adults
Type: tablets
Dose: 1 tablet contains 22.5 mg of vitamin E
Active ingredients: vitamin E (as dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, and vitamins A, C, D3, K, B6, and B12
Nature Made Multi for Him is formulated with 22 nutrients to support men’s health, including selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, D3, and B12.
Each 1-capsule serving also provides 150% of the DV for vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol for optimal absorption.
Nature Made Multi for Him is free of gluten and artificial colors and flavors. It’s also USP-verified for potency and safety.
- Pros
- USP-verified
- gluten-free
- affordable
- includes other essential nutrients
- Cons
- not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
How to choose a vitamin E supplement
When choosing a vitamin E supplement, there are several factors to consider, including third-party testing, ingredients, form of vitamin E, and dosage.
Third-party testing
Because the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way it regulates drugs, third-party testing ensures that the supplement label accurately reflects what’s in the bottle.
Choosing a product that is certified by a third-party organization like USP or NSF International can also help ensure quality and purity.
Ingredients
It’s important to select a vitamin E supplement made with high quality ingredients and few fillers.
Ideally, it will be made with an oil, because this helps boost your body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins .
Additionally, if you prefer to take naturally sourced vitamin E, you should avoid supplements that contain the synthetic form, dl-alpha-tocopherol.
Form
Vitamin E supplements are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, softgels, and chewable tablets.
Although some liquid vitamin E oils are available and can be taken orally, most are formulated to be applied directly to your skin.
Additionally, it seems that few or no liquid vitamin E supplements have undergone third-party testing.
Dosage
The DV for vitamin E is 15 mg for adults and children ages 4 years and older .
Some supplements may list the amount of vitamin E in international units (IU). The DV for vitamin E in IU is 22.4 IU of natural vitamin E or 33.3 IU of synthetic vitamin E.
Meanwhile, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level — the maximum amount you can safely take without any side effects — is 1,000 mg per day for adults
If you take too much vitamin E, it can build up in your fat stores over time and cause serious complications such as excessive bleeding, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using high dose supplements.
Who should take vitamin E supplements?
Most people don’t need a vitamin E supplement and can easily meet their needs by following a healthy, well-rounded diet.
However, supplementation may be recommended for some people, including those with certain health conditions that can impair the digestion or absorption of fat.
This includes medical conditions such as :
- Cystic fibrosis: a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive tract
- Crohn’s disease: a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract
- Abetalipoproteinemia: a rare genetic disorder that affects fat absorption
- Ataxia and vitamin E deficiency (AVED): an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements
- Cholestasis: a disorder that causes reduced bile flow from the liver, which can impair fat absorption
- Celiac disease: an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten
While taking supplements containing 540 mg or less of vitamin E per day is unlikely to cause any negative side effects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding a vitamin E supplement to your routine .
Potential symptoms of a vitamin E deficiency
Though vitamin E deficiency is rare, it sometimes occurs in people with chronic conditions that impact the absorption of fat.
Some of the possible symptoms associated with vitamin E deficiency are:
- vision problems
- loss of sensation in the arms or legs
- decreased immune function
- muscle weakness
- loss of control over body movements
However, keep in mind that these symptoms are associated with a severe deficiency.
In fact, though the average American diet provides less than the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, most people are unlikely to experience any symptoms of deficiency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best form of vitamin E to take as a supplement?
Ideally, look for vitamin E supplements that contain alpha-tocopherol, which is the biologically active form of vitamin E that is most well-absorbed by the body
Those who prefer naturally sourced vitamin E may want to opt for supplements made with d-alpha tocopherol. Products that contain dl-alpha tocopherol are derived from synthetic vitamin E but are often more affordable.
Is it OK to take vitamin E every day?
While most people can meet their vitamin E needs by following a balanced and nutritious diet, taking 540 mg or less per day is unlikely to cause any side effects .
Taking amounts higher than this each day is not recommended unless advised by a healthcare professional.
What are vitamin E supplements good for?
Vitamin E supplements are helpful for promoting the health of the skin, heart, and eyes.
They can be especially useful for people who have difficulty meeting their vitamin E needs through diet alone, including people with health conditions that affect fat absorption.
Which brand is best for vitamin E capsules?
Nordic Naturals Vitamin E Complex is Healthline’s choice as the best overall vitamin E supplement as it contains highly absorbable forms of vitamin E, is third-party tested, includes extra-virgin olive oil to enhance absorption.
Useful supplement shopping guides
Check out these two articles to help make supplement shopping a breeze:
- How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements
- How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro
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The bottom line
Vitamin E supplements generally aren’t necessary unless a healthcare professional has instructed you to take them.
It’s best to choose vitamin E supplements that are third-party tested, contain minimal fillers and additives, and provide at least 100% of the DV per serving.
