Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)

Vitamin E is a type of antioxidant, which means that it protects cells from damage. But if you have too little or too much vitamin E in your body, it can cause serious health problems.

Most people get the right amount of vitamin E from foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and green, leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is also added to foods such as certain cereals, fruit juices, and margarine. The amount of vitamin E you get from foods doesn't cause harmfully high levels of vitamin E in your body.

High levels usually happen from taking too many vitamin E supplements. Low levels are often caused by digestive diseases, including malabsorption disorders that make it difficult for your body to digest fat. Your body needs fat to absorb vitamin E.

Normal vitamin E levels vary with age. Your test results should say if your results are normal for your age.

Low vitamin E levels mean you are not getting or absorbing enough vitamin E. Your health care provider will use your medical history and the results from other tests to diagnose the cause. You can usually treat vitamin E deficiency by taking vitamin supplements and treating any conditions that may be blocking absorption.

High vitamin E levels mean you are getting too much vitamin E. If you have been taking vitamin E supplements, you will need to stop. If vitamin E has caused problems with bleeding, your provider may also prescribe medicines to treat you.