Don’t know where to start? Here’s how to go about choosing one for your needs
If you’re looking for a vitamin E supplement but are finding the whole thing a little overwhelming, you’re not alone. There are lots to choose from and it can be hard to know where to invest your energy and money.
So, to help, we’re here to arm you with the information that you need to decide if you could benefit from incorporating a supplement into your routine. And, if so, how to go about choosing one built for your needs.
Why is this vitamin so important? Here, we take a closer look at what it does, what vitamin E foods are and the deal with vitamin E supplements.
What is vitamin E and why is it important?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s involved in a whole host of important bodily processes. These include supporting the immune system, protecting cells from oxidative stress and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
What are natural sources of vitamin E?
Vitamin E foods include nuts and seeds, plant oils such as olive, sunflower, rapeseed (vegetable) and corn oils, and wheatgerm (found in cereals and cereal products). Unlike vitamin C (check out our guide to vitamin C supplements here) vitamin E can be stored in the body to be used in the future.
How much vitamin E do you need per day?
The NHS recommends 3mg a day for women and 4mg a day for men.
What are the benefits of a vitamin E supplement?
If you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you should be able to meet your daily vitamin E requirements. An oral supplement may help support this, but there isn’t a huge amount of evidence to show that it is an essential.
If you do choose to take one though, it’s important to bear in mind that food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be substituted for a varied diet or healthy lifestyle.
What are some vitamin E supplement options?
From standalone vitamin E supplements to multivitamins, here are five highly rated picks. You might also like one of these great options, too.
Vitamin E supplements
Try: Boots Vitamin E (£8)
• Suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over
• Size: 90 capsules
• Each capsules provides 268mg Vitamin E
• Daily dosage: 1 capsule per day
• Free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
• Lactose-free
A bottle contains a three-month supply, so you won’t run low any time soon.
Try: Wassen Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E (£6)
• Suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over
• Size: 30 tablets
• Each tablet provides 12mg of vitamin E
• Dosage: one tablet a day
• Free from dairy, lactose, gluten, sugar, artificial flavours, preservatives and colours
• Suitable for vegetarians
As well as vitamin E, this vegetarian-friendly supplement also contains Coenzyme Q10, a natural vitamin-like substance found in all cells of the body, which declines with age, B-vitamins and zinc to help maintain energy levels.
Try: Bassetts Adult Multivitamins Raspberry & Pomegranate Flavour (£5.50)
• Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over
• Size: 30 pastilles
• Each pastille contains 12mg of vitamin E
• Dosage: one a day
• No added sugar
This multivitamin contains a balanced variety of nutrients ranging from vitamin E (12mg) to vitamin C (80mg) and vitamin D (5 micrograms) and more, to support a range of essential bodily processes. They also taste great, too! Not suitable if pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, except on the advice of a doctor.
Try: Centrum Performance (£14.99)
• Suitable for adults and children over 16
• Size: 60 tablets
• Each tablet contains 26.8mg of Vitamin E
• Dosage: one tablet a day
If you lead an active lifestyle, this daily multivitamin has been formulated with niacin and biotin to help support energy release; vitamin C for normal function of the immune system; vitamin B1 to support normal heart function; gingko biloba and pantothenic acid to help maintain an active mind; and ginseng to support physical performance for active lifestyles. Not suitable if pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, except on the advice of a doctor.
Try: Bassetts Vitamins 3-6 Years Omega-3 Multivitamins (£5.50)
• Suitable for children aged between three and six years
• Size: 30 soft chewies
• Each pastille provides 12mg vitamin E
• Daily dosage: 1 pastille per day
• Contains no added sugar
• Contains natural flavours and natural colours
Soft and chewy, these orange-flavoured multivitamins contain a range of nutrients to support a range of bodily functions. As well as vitamin E, they contain vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and flaxseed oil which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Shop more vitamin E supplements here
For more advice on shopping for supplements, check out our guide to vitamin D supplements and vitamin C supplements.
