Does Vitamin E Work?

Many people may wonder, "Does vitamin E work?" Although early studies suggest that the vitamin is effective for preventing cancer and reducing the risk of heart problems, there is not enough evidence to confirm these benefits. Some evidence suggests that vitamin E may help prevent sun damage or slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease, but more research is necessary to confirm these findings.

 

Does Vitamin E Really Work?

Vitamin E is claimed to work for a wide variety of conditions, based mostly on its antioxidant activity (not actual scientific evidence). While very early studies often showed impressive benefits for vitamin E, later studies often failed to confirm such benefits. This article will address the effectiveness of vitamin E for several uses, including:
 
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Heart health
  • Cancer prevention for various types of cancer
  • Alzheimer's disease (both prevention and treatment)
  • Skin health, including:

 

    • Scar treatment or prevention
    • Stretch mark treatment or prevention
    • Wrinkle reduction.

 

Does Vitamin E Work for a Vitamin E Deficiency?
As you might guess, taking vitamin E is very effective for treating vitamin E deficiencies. Although vitamin E deficiency is very rare in healthy people, there are some conditions or situations which can increase the risk of a vitamin E deficiency. People with some rare genetic conditions may be deficient in vitamin E, and some gastrointestinal conditions (including liver or gallbladder problems) could lead to a vitamin E deficiency. Premature infants and people with cystic fibrosis may also be at risk for vitamin E deficiencies.
(Does Vitamin E Work? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;