Other Brands/Names

Capri-E, Dalfarol, Koni E-400, Hezandra, Natur-E, Novarol, Prove E, Santa-E, Solvita Max, Synplus Vitamin E-400 IU, Toco-E, Yavit-E, Zincomin.

How It Works

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in many foods, including vegetable oils, grains, meat, poultry, eggs, and fruits. It plays an important role in the proper function of several organs in the body and also acts as a powerful antioxidant. The natural form of vitamin E found in foods (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is different from the synthetic form found in supplements (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol).

Indications

Vitamin E is mainly prescribed to manage vitamin E deficiency, which is rare but may occur in people with certain inherited conditions or in premature infants with very low birth weight. It is also used in the management of other health issues, including abetalipoproteinemia (a genetic disorder that disrupts the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E) and cystic fibrosis.

Contraindications

Vitamin E supplements may worsen bleeding disorders and should not be taken by individuals with such conditions. If you are scheduled for surgery, discontinue vitamin E at least two weeks before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.

Side Effects

Some side effects associated with vitamin E use include nausea, tiredness, headaches, and bleeding. High doses or if you more than 1,000 mg per day may be unsafe and increase health risks.

Types

Tablets, capsules, caplets.

Dosage

• Vitamin E Deficiency

Adults: 40–50 mg d-α-tocopherol daily

Children: 

• • Neonates: 10 mg/kg once daily

  • 1 month old - 18 years old: 2–10 mg/kg per day (maximum 20 mg/kg)

• Abetalipoproteinemia

Adults: 50–100 mg/kg daily of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate or approximately 33–67 mg/kg daily of d-α-tocopherol.

Children:

• • Neonates: 100 mg/kg once daily

  • 1 month old - 18 years old: 50–100 mg/kg once daily

• Supplementation in Cystic Fibrosis

Adults: 100–200 mg daily of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate or 67–135 mg daily of d-α-tocopherol.

Children (α-tocopheryl acetate):

• • 1 month–1 year: 50 mg once daily

  • 1–12 years: 100 mg once daily

  • 12–18 years: 200 mg once daily

  • Doses should be adjusted depending on the patient’s needs

Safety

• Pregnancy: Vitamin E is likely safe when used in the recommended amounts. However, avoid taking supplements during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy unless advised by a doctor. After 8 weeks of pregnancy, the maximum recommended dose is 1,000 mg for adults above 18 years old.

• Breastfeeding: Vitamin E is considered safe at recommended doses. The upper daily limit is 1,000 mg for those over 18 years old.

• Children: Children should not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA):

  • 1–3 years: 300 IU

  • 4–8 years: 450 IU

  • 9–13 years: 900 IU

  • 14–18 years: 1,200 IU

Drug Interactions

• Colestyramine, colestipol, and orlistat may reduce vitamin E absorption.

• High doses of vitamin E may enhance the effect of warfarin (a blood thinner), increasing the risk of bleeding.

• Large doses may also interfere with the body’s response to iron supplementation.

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