7 Vitamin E Supplements That Can Keep You Feeling Excellent

The “E” in vitamin E should stand for “effort,” because this is one hell of a hardworking vitamin. It not only protects you from damaging free radicals in its role as an antioxidant but also boosts immune function, keeping you safe from disease. And if that’s not enough, it’s a skin care superstar and guardian of heart and eye health. Most people get enough of this fat-soluble vitamin from their diets, as it’s found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies. But some folks may benefit from a boost, specifically those who have issues with fat absorption. That’s where a good vitamin E supplement comes in. Because there are a lot of solid supplement options out there, finding the right one to suit your specific needs can be tricky. We’re giving you a hand by rounding up some of the best ones. A quick look at the best vitamin E supplements Editor’s pick: Pure Encapsulations Vitamin E Best high dose: Puritan’s Pride Vitamin E Softgels Best oil: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Oil Best vegan: Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin E Best value: Kirkland Signature Vitamin E Best softgel: Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E Best chewable: NaturesPlus Vitamin E Chewable If it looks like a vitamin E supplement could be in the cards for you, read on for more info about our top recommendations and advice on how to choose the best one. How we chose the best supplements We consulted Shauna Hatcher, a certified nutritionist at The National Wellness and Public Health Network, for expert advice while creating our list of the best vitamin E supplements. Here are the factors we considered: Bioavailability. “Search for vitamin E supplements containing alpha-tocopherol, the biochemical form of vitamin E that the body absorbs best,” Hatcher says. Natural vs. synthetic. If you prefer natural to synthetic, Hatcher says to “look for d-alpha-tocopherol vitamins” rather than dl-alpha-tocopherol. Some mega-mixes. Some vitamin E supplements offer more than isolated alpha-tocopherol. Instead, look for “vitamin E products that are labeled as complete, combined, or even vitamin E complex,” says Hatcher. These options are more likely to resemble the tocopherol profile found naturally in vitamin E-rich plants. Respected brands. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements the same way as medications, so make sure you buy from a trusted brand. Check the label for indications of third-party testing from an org like United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International. Vetted products only. Every supplement on this list has been through our thorough vetting process. We’ve scoured the net for unsupported health claims, warning letters from the FDA, and anything else shady, like lawsuits involving a company’s products. 7 best vitamin E supplements Here’s everything about these vitamin E supplements to get everyone excited. Pricing guide $ = under $10 $$ = $10–$20 $$$ = over $20 Side-by-side comparison Pure Encapsulations Vitamin E Puritan’s Pride Vitamin E Softgels Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Oil Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin E Kirkland Signature Vitamin E Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E NaturesPlus Vitamin E Chewable Price $$$ $ $ $$ $$$ $$ $$$ Number of doses 90 100 296 60 500 300 90 Strength 268 mg (+ 67 mg other tocopherols) 450 mg 100 IU 125 mg 180 mg 180 mg 268 mg Format softgel softgel oil capsule softgel softgel chewable tablet Vegan no no yes yes no no vegetarian GMO-free? yes unknown unknown yes unknown unknown yes 1. Editor’s pick vitamin E supplement Pure Encapsulations Vitamin E Price: $$$ Amount: 90 doses Format: softgel capsules Features: zero fillers and preservatives Pure Encapsulations is the #1 most recommended brand by healthcare professionals, guaranteeing a quality product that’s third-party tested by folks like Intertek and Advanced Laboratories. The peeps at Pure have crafted these top-notch softgels with a whopping 1,787 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin E as natural d-alpha-tocopherol, plus some other tocopherols. They’re also free of gluten, nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And the soft, cushiony capsules contain just rapeseed oil and sunflower oil — no other ingredients. However, vegans and vegetarians may need to look elsewhere, because the capsules contain gelatin. 2. Best high dose vitamin E supplement Puritan’s Pride Vitamin E Softgels Price: $ Amount: 100 doses Format: softgel capsules Features: free from artificial colors, flavors, sweetness, and preservatives If you’re looking for a vitamin E supplement that packs a powerful punch, Puritan’s Pride contains a whopping 450 milligrams (mg) per softgel, which is 3000% of the DV. This brand has been making vitamins since 1973, and all their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure you’re buying pure and effective products. These are not the best choice for vegans and vegetarians. But if you’re looking for a supplement that’s free from sugar, starch, lactose, gluten, wheat, yeast, fish, and sodium, this is an excellent option. Plus, it comes at an accessible price point. 3. Best oil vitamin E supplement Nature’s Bounty Vitamin E Oil Price: $ Amount: 2.5 fl oz Format: oil Features: contains wheat but no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives You can take a tailored supplement dose with Nature’s Bounty vitamin E oil. Five drops contain 100 international units (IU) of natural d-alpha-tocopherol in a natural base of wheat germ, soybean, corn, sesame, and lemon oils. You also have the option of using the oil directly on your skin to reduce inflammation and boost skin health. Although the label doesn’t explicitly say this product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the ingredient list does not include any animal products. 4. Best vegan vitamin E supplement Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin E Price: $$ Amount: 60 doses Format: vegetarian capsules Features: also contains vitamins A, D, and K and selenium If you’re a vegan who prefers supplements in capsule form, Garden of Life’s got your back. Not only will you benefit from 125 mg of vitamin E per 2-capsule dose, but you’ll also get more than 100% of the DV for vitamins A and D and selenium and 60% of the DV for vitamin K. If you’re mindful of everything that goes into your body, you’ll be pleased to hear that the brand uses only organic whole-food ingredients that you can trace back to the seed. Garden of Life has a haul of certifications as well, including certified gluten-free, non-GMO, carbon-free, and organic, and they’re climate pledge-friendly. 5. Best-value vitamin E supplement Kirkland Signature Vitamin E Price: $$$ Amount: 500 doses Format: softgel capsules Features: contains synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate For a wallet-friendly vitamin E supplement, you can’t go wrong with the Kirkland Signature mega-bundle of vitamin E. Yes, it’s at a higher price point, but you get a massive 500 doses! Keep in mind that this is a bare-bones product — if you’re looking for a product to suit specific dietary requirements, you may have trouble finding the information. Aside from mentioning gelatin on the ingredient list and the fact that it contains synthetic vitamin E, the label provides few other details. But at this price, it’s hard to fault this product. 6. Best softgel vitamin E supplement Nature Made Synthetic Vitamin E Price: $$ Amount: 300 doses Format: softgel capsules Features: no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or gluten Nearly 12,000 peeps have awarded Nature Made Vitamin E softgels 5 stars — and no wonder, since it comes at such an accessible price. These are a great option if you’re looking for something that’s gluten-free and has no added colors or preservatives. But vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer natural vitamin E will need to continue their search. And in case you’re wondering, these are USP-verified. 7. Best chewable vitamin E supplement NaturesPlus Vitamin E Chewable Price: $$$ Amount: 90 doses Format: chewable tablet Features: 100% made in the USA, gluten- and allergen-free, vegetarian For folks who have difficulty or dislike swallowing tablets, here’s a great chewable option. NaturesPlus has crafted these vegetarian chewable vitamin E supplements with a delicious carob flavor. Some reviewers love the taste and say it’s like chocolate. Others aren’t quite as enamored, but most agree that these melt in their mouth. If you’re following a vegetarian diet, you’re all set — the label says these will work for you. But it’s difficult to figure out whether they’re suitable for our vegan friends. One of the ingredients is stearic acid, a fatty acid typically produced using common animal and vegetable fats and oils — so it may contain some animal products. Therefore, it may be best to skip this one if you’re vegan. Tips for choosing a vitamin E supplement Here are our tips for finding the vitamin E supplement that’s best for your needs: Chat with a health pro first. Yes, you can buy a vitamin E supplement online or over the counter, but it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional first to see if you need one. If a supplement is a good idea, they can suggest a suitable daily amount. They may recommend a product containing the Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin E or a higher dose if you have issues with fat absorption. Consider your dietary needs. If you have an allergy or intolerance to a substance like gluten or yeast, you’ll need to look for vitamin E supplements labeled as free from those ingredients. Likewise, if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, check the label to make sure a product is suitable. Think about form. You’ll find vitamin E supplements in various forms, some of which are easier to swallow than others. If you have a strong gag reflex, for instance, it may help to opt for a smaller softgel supplement or an oil. Research ’em. You should be able to find unbiased ratings and comments from users of the supplements that interest you. Read to see if there are any common red flags or if companies aren’t delivering on their claims. Also, Google the brand to see if it has popped up in any recent news stories for not-so-great reasons. Inquiries about the E Got more questions about vitamin E supplements? We’ve got answers! What does vitamin E do? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from harmful free radicals — unstable molecules that seem to contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. Because vitamin E is a multitasker, it also boosts skin and eye health and plays a role in immune function, helping to keep you safe from illnesses and infections. Who should take a vitamin E supplement? If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you probably don’t need to take a vitamin E supplement, because deficiencies are rare. But some people have an increased risk of vitamin E deficiency and may benefit from a supplement, including those with medical conditions that affect how they absorb fat, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease. If you’re wondering about your vitamin E intake, it’s best to have a chat with a healthcare professional to see if a supplement is a good idea for you. How much vitamin E do I need? According to the National Institutes of Health, adults need 15 mg of vitamin E daily. Pregnant people have the same vitamin E needs, but if you’re lactating, you’ll need around 19 mg per day. Are there different forms of vitamin E? Yes. If you’re shopping for vitamin E supplements, look for one containing alpha-tocopherol, which is the biologically active form that your body absorbs easily. And if you’re looking for naturally sourced products, choose one made with d-alpha-tocopherol, because those containing dl-alpha-tocopherol come from a synthetic source. Should I take a vitamin E supplement every day? If you eat a varied diet, you’ll likely be able to meet your vitamin E needs without a supplement. But if you do choose to take a supplement, you can typically take up to 1,000 mg per day safely. It’s best not to exceed that dose unless a healthcare pro gives you the go-ahead. The bottom line If your diet is lacking or you have issues with fat absorption, a vitamin E supplement could help you maintain healthy levels of this critical nutrient. A bunch of vitamin E supplements are available, and our list of top recs can likely help you find one that meets your needs — whether you’re following a vegan diet, have certain allergies, or have a limited budget. But before you throw down the cash, have a chat with a healthcare pro to see if you really need to invest in a vitamin E supplement. 3 sourcesexpanded Böhm V. (2018). Vitamin E. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5874530/ Vitamin E. (n.d.). http s://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Vitamin-E Vitamin E: Fact sheet for health professionals. (2021). ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/