20% off £35

Code:SAVE20
Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew Leaf ProductsNovominsNew NordicBioglanWeledaNatures AidBetterYouEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline Only Offers3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletFree Biotin when you spend £20Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeSesame Seed FreeWheat FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilCordyceps MushroomNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockManuka HoneyBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDairy Free DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaTwiningsNakdHeath & HeatherPerfectTedBio & MeManuka DoctorPukkaEgmont HoneyEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchOnline Only OffersBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £5 Mix & MatchWhile Stocks LastGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsFat BurnersAmino AcidsVitaminsTestosteroneGreensSports CollagenHydration & GelsShop all Hydration & GelsEnergy GelsElectrolytesNutritionally Complete FoodPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineMeal Replacement ShakesVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinHuelGrenadeTriActiveSiSYfoodEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline Only Offers3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNew inCetaphilAveenoDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinEnd of Summer SaleFree Biotin when you spend £203 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline Only OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeSoya FreeSugar FreeVitamin CLavenderTea TreeAloe VeraRosehipHyaluronic AcidRosemaryVitamin ESalicylic AcidSeaweedBeauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggNatures AidNew NordicSlimExpertEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchOnline Only OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45StrepsilsCalpolOilatumTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsSave up to 1/2 PriceEnd of Summer SaleNew inVeganNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchOnline Only OffersFree Biotin when you spend £20Buy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 For £5 Mix & MatchWhile Stocks Last3 For £3 Mix & MatchShort Dated September 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsWeledaFaith in NatureApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredSolgarEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchOnline Only OffersFree Biotin when you spend £20Buy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeSesame Seed FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLavenderAloe VeraTea TreeLion's Mane MushroomRosehipApple Cider VinegarHyaluronic AcidVitamin ERosemaryNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

The ultimate guide to vitamin E

medico-author

Written byMedico Digital

julie_cunningham

Reviewed byJulie Cunningham

A transparent cup with a green smoothie in the hands of a young woman.
From radiant skin to supporting the immune system: here's what the mighty vitamin E can do for your everyday health

Summary

1What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E isn’t just a single vitamin – it’s actually a family of eight compounds found in many everyday foods…

2​​What does vitamin E do?

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that keeps you in good health from the inside out…

3What are the possible benefits of vitamin E?

In addition to supporting a normal immune system and vision, vitamin E may offer several other benefits…

Explore related topics

Vitamin E when it comes to supporting your health, this essential vitamin may help to work wonders for your health, wellness and beauty.1,2 

But what exactly is vitamin E, and what possible benefits does it offer?

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E isn’t just a single vitamin – it’s actually a family of eight compounds found in many everyday foods.1,2 

Of the eight forms of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol is the one that’s present in the largest amount in humans and the form typically found in supplements.2

As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E is stored in the liver and fatty tissues. You don’t need to consume fat-soluble vitamins every day – your body stores away excesses and taps into reserves as needed.3

What does vitamin E do?

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that keeps you in good health from the inside out. 

It plays an important role in supporting:1,4,5 
  • a normal immune system
  • red blood cell formation 
  • cell-to-cell communication 
  • normal vision 
  • healthy skin 
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps combat free radicals, which experts say can damage cells, causing ageing and illness.4-6
Happy female friends smiling at the camera, celebrating a healthy lifestyle of sport, exercise and fitness. Group of young sportswomen standing together in a studio wearing fitness clothing.

What are the possible benefits of vitamin E?

In addition to supporting a normal immune system and vision, vitamin E may offer several other benefits.1 While more research is needed, its role in health and disease is believed to come from its antioxidant properties and supporting role in anti-inflammatory processes.2

Vitamin E may help protect cells from oxidative stress

Vitamin E is thought to play a critical role in protecting your health by neutralising free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells) and shielding cells from oxidative stress.2,4-6 

Over time, damage caused by free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which has been linked to various conditions.

But while some studies have indeed explored its role in preventing and treating these diseases, the evidence remains inconclusive.2,7
 

Vitamin E may support your beauty regime

You’ve likely noticed vitamin E featured as a star ingredient in countless skincare and cosmetic products. 8,9 

Although scientific research on its cosmetic benefits is limited, vitamin E’s antioxidant and moisturising properties are well documented, leading many skincare brands to claim that products with vitamin E can help promote healthy, hydrated skin.10
 

Vitamin E may help ease period pain

One of the lesser-known areas of research on vitamin E in period pain. Some research in women with common gynaecological problems such as endometriosis and severe period pain suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin E may help relieve discomfort. However, more human evidence-based clinical trials are needed to support these findings.11 

One 2013 study of 120 women suffering from severe period pain suggests that taking 400 IU of vitamin E per day may result in a reduction in period discomfort.12 However, the research into vitamin E and period pain is limited, so we can’t say for certain if it would definitely ease discomfort.
 

Vitamin E may support fertility

Several emerging studies have suggested that vitamin E supplements may support female and male fertility.11,13,14 

More research is needed, but vitamin E may potentially promote fertility by protecting against reproductive disorders, supporting the thickness of the womb lining and preventing oxidative stress-related pregnancy complications.11,15,16 However, always check with your doctor first if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or trying these supplements for the first time.

When it comes to male fertility, vitamin E may have a beneficial effect on sperm quality.13 One study suggested that taking vitamin E with vitamin C, sperm quality and pregnancy rates may be improved.14 However, there is little additional research into this potential benefit. Always speak with your doctor or fertility specialist for advice.
 

How much vitamin E do you need?

The NHS recommends a daily vitamin E intake of 3mg for women and 4mg for men.

You can easily get all the vitamin E your body needs from a healthy and balanced diet, so deficiency is rare.1,2 Your body stores vitamin E it doesn't need straight away for future use, so you don’t need to ingest it every day.1

However, some people with health conditions that make it difficult to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, like cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, may be at risk of a deficiency.2,7

Sources of vitamin E

You can get vitamin E naturally from a range of foods.1,2,4 It’s also available as a dietary supplement. You can find vitamin E in topical oil and key ingredient in skincare products too, though any skin products don’t contribute towards your daily requirement of vitamin E!

The final say

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient made up of eight separate compounds widely found in everyday foods.1,2 Some of its benefits include oxidative stress, supporting skin when applied topically and its important role in your immune system.your immune system.1,2,4,5 

You can nourish your health from the inside out by eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamin E, including ample amounts of nuts, seeds and plant oils.1,2,4 Your body will thank you!

Disclaimer

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.
 

Sources

  1. NHS. Vitamin E - Vitamins and minerals [Internet]. [cited 2024 September 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/ 
  2. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin E [Internet]. [cited 2024 September 20]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/ 
  3. Helpguide. Vitamins and minerals [Internet]. [cited 2024 September 20]. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm 
  4. MedlinePlus. Vitamin E: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sept 20]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002406.htm  ‌
  5. Rizvi S, et al. The role of vitamin E in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014;14(2):e157–65. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/ 
  6. Pizzino G, et al. Oxidative stress: Harms and benefits for human health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8416763 
  7. Medina J, Gupta V. Vitamin E. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557737/ 
  8. Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin E and skin health [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sept 20]. Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E 
  9. Gromkowska‐Kępka KJ, et al. The impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin photoaging — review of in vitro studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;Mar 13;20(11):3427–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14033.  ‌
  10. Pinto CASO, et al. Vitamin E in human skin: Functionality and topical products [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sept 20]. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/77087 
  11. Amin NAM, et al. Are vitamin E supplementation beneficial for female gynaecology health and diseases? Molecules. 2022;27(6):1896. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27061896 
  12. Kashanian M, et al. Evaluation of the effect of vitamin E on pelvic pain reduction in women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. J Reprod Med. 2013;58(1-2):34–8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23447916/ ‌
  13. Ghafarizadeh AA, et al. The effect of vitamin E on sperm motility and viability in asthenoteratozoospermic men: In vitro study. Andrologia. 2021;53(1):e13891. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13891
  14. Zhou X, et al. Effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on male infertility: A meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol. 2022;54(8):1793–805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-022-03237-x 
  15. Cicek N, et al. Vitamin E effect on controlled ovarian stimulation of unexplained infertile women. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2012;29(4):325–8. ‌https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9714-1
  16. Mohd Mutalip SS, et al. Vitamin E as an antioxidant in female reproductive health. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(2):22. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox7020022
 

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.