Vitamin E (tocopherol)
Silver· human dataAlso known as: Tocopherol, Tocotrienols
A fat-soluble antioxidant where high-dose supplements have disappointed and may harm.
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.
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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.
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