Why is vitamin E important for health?

Vitamin E is crucial for maintaining overall health due to its role as a powerful antioxidant and its role in various critical processes within the body. It protects fat-soluble vitamins from destruction by oxygen and aids in the utilisation of vitamin A.

Additionally, vitamin E prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is associated with cardiovascular disease, and inhibits blood platelet aggregation, enhancing immune system activity.1
What are the signs of vitamin E deficiency?

While severe vitamin E deficiency is rare, lower than recommended intake is relatively common. Symptoms of deficiency can include a variety of issues such as infertility, neuromuscular impairment, and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.1, 2
Recommendations for vitamin E intake

To incorporate vitamin E into the diet, one should focus on consuming a variety of foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is found in fats and oils from animal products (meat, poultry, fish and diary foods), as well as vegetables, seeds and cereals. When selecting vitamin E-rich foods, opt for those that are fresh or minimally processed.
However, it is not recommended to take vitamin E supplements unless diagnosed with a deficiency.3, 4