From the Guidelines
The recommended daily dosage of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams (22.4 IU) per day, but older adults may benefit from increased intake, up to 200 IU/d, to support immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as suggested by recent studies 1.
Vitamin E Requirements
The current Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for vitamin E is 12 mg/d (EAR) and 15 mg/d (RDA) for all individuals ages ≥14 y, presented by age and sex categories 1. However, some studies suggest that older adults may require higher intake due to compromised immune and inflammatory responses, as well as enzymatic antioxidant defensive mechanisms 1.
Benefits of Increased Intake
Increased vitamin E intake has been shown to improve immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, particularly in older adults 1. A study found that supplementation with 200 IU vitamin E/d for 1 y in nursing home residents with some pre-existing conditions did not cause any adverse effects and actually resulted in a 10% lower mortality rate compared to those who received a placebo 1.
Safety Considerations
While high doses of vitamin E may increase bleeding risk, particularly in individuals taking blood thinners like warfarin, studies have confirmed that supplementation with vitamin E within the Tolerable Upper Limit (i.e., 1000 mg/d of any form of supplementary α-tocopherol) poses no potential risk 1. In fact, a meta-analysis found that vitamin E at doses ≤400 IU/d had no effect on all-cause mortality, and doses <150 IU/d actually slightly decreased all-cause mortality 1.
Recommendations
Based on the available evidence, older adults may consider increasing their vitamin E intake to 200 IU/d to support immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while staying within the safe limits of the Tolerable Upper Intake Level 1. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting vitamin E supplements, particularly if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Natural food sources of vitamin E, such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables, should also be considered as part of a balanced diet.
From the Research
Vitamin E Dosage
- The recommended dosage of vitamin E varies depending on the condition being treated.
- For patients with ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), a daily dose of 800 mg of vitamin E was used in a study 2 and resulted in normalized serum vitamin E levels and moderate improvement in clinical symptoms.
- Another study 3 suggests that a daily vitamin E intake of 135-150 IU is recommended for general health, with higher doses of up to 800 IU/d showing a dose-dependent effect on low-density lipoprotein oxidation.
- Vitamin E supplementation of at least 60 IU/d was found to enhance immune responses, and intakes of 200 IU-400 IU/d decreased platelet adhesion to the vessel wall 3.
- A study on AVED patients found that vitamin E supplementation therapy allowed a stabilization of the neurological conditions in most patients, with some patients experiencing development of spasticity and retinitis pigmentosa during therapy 4.
Dosage for Specific Conditions
- For ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency, high doses of vitamin E have been shown to be effective in treating the condition 5.
- The dosage used in the study was not specified, but another study 2 used a daily dose of 800 mg of vitamin E to treat AVED patients.
- Vitamin E deficiency can occur due to various conditions such as abetalipoproteinemia, cholestatic liver disease, or fat malabsorption, and the dosage may vary depending on the underlying condition.
Safety and Efficacy
- Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin E are safe and effective in treating various conditions, including AVED 2, 3, 4.
- However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially high doses of vitamin E, to determine the appropriate dosage and potential interactions with other medications.