Top 10 Vitamin E Supplements

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Vitamin E has recently become popular as almost a panacea that can slow down aging, prevent cancer and generally improve health in every way. Indeed, it is a powerful antioxidant that not only fights toxic reactive oxygen species by itself, but also restores the antioxidant activity of another known vitamin – ascorbic acid. Nevertheless, it seems a bit premature to talk about its necessity to everyone in a row. Moreover, some scientists believe that excess vitamin E can be dangerous and should only be taken after consulting a doctor if there is a strict indication.

Fully supporting the opinion that any means to improve health should be prescribed by a specialist, we have collected information for our readers about vitamin E and offer a rating of the best, from our point of view, preparations containing it. But besides this, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the arguments about the possible danger of an excess of tocopherol and, before drawing practical conclusions, get an in-person consultation with a doctor.

Vitamin E – pros and cons

Alpha-tocopherol acetate – this is how official medicine calls vitamin E – a remedy that is recommended for many different health problems:

1. to prevent pathologies of embryonic development, congenital anomalies (malformations) of the fetus;
2. with the threat of termination of pregnancy;
3. with violations of the menstrual cycle,
4. kraurose vulva,
5. climacteric disorders;
6. perceptual hearing disorders;
7. treatment of atrophic processes in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract;
8. therapy of degenerative and proliferative changes in the joints and fibrous tissue of the spine and large joints;
9. to reduce muscle weakness due to discogenic blockages in diseases of the intervertebral disc,
10. with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic collagenoses;
11. dystrophy and muscle atrophy,
12. secondary muscle weakness and myopathy in chronic arthritis;
13. with neurasthenia with exhaustion,
14. for the treatment of autonomic disorders;
15. atrophic processes in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract,
16. eye diseases;
17. skin diseases: dermatitis, trophic ulcers, psoriasis, eczema;
18. in violation of libido in men,
19. disorder of spermatogenesis,
20. male infertility (in combination with vitamin A).

Of course, for all these conditions, vitamin E preparations are not recommended as monotherapy, but in combination with other medications.

In addition, many people, who have heard about the antioxidant properties of tocopherol, take it for no reason, to improve health, slow aging, and as a cancer-protective agent. And in this case, everything is far from so simple.

First of all, the required daily amount of vitamin E is small: 22–33 IU. Considering that it is found in most vegetable oils, seeds and nuts, it is not difficult to fill the need for it: one tablespoon of ordinary sunflower oil can almost completely cover the daily need for tocopherol. Judge for yourself: in 100 g of oil there are 67 mg of vitamin E. 1 mg = 1.49 IU, that is, in 100 g – 99.83 IU (round up to 100 for simplicity of calculations). A tablespoon contains 17 g of sunflower oil, i.e. 17 IU of tocopherol. The missing 5 IU will be covered, for example, by a plate of buckwheat porridge (5 IU in 50 g of dry cereal).

Thus, it is usually irrational for healthy people to take vitamin E preparations: it is rather problematic to create its deficiency in the body with a normal diet.

But to prevent cancer and slow down aging, much higher doses of tocopherol are often advised: from 100 to 400 IU per day. It is already difficult to obtain such quantities with food, and vitamin E preparations in appropriate dosages are used. And then problems arise.

According to some studies, only small amounts of tocopherol contribute to a decrease in overall mortality: up to 150 IU per day. Whereas high doses (150–400 and more) of vitamin E taken with drugs and dietary supplements, on the contrary, contribute to an increase in overall mortality from any cause. And in smokers, this antioxidant, which, it would seem, should protect the body from the harmful effects of nicotine, increases the likelihood of stroke. It should be noted that not all scientists agree with the data obtained, and some say that the sample for research was not compiled correctly, but there is reason to think.

Just in case, we focus the readers' attention: data on the ambiguous effect of tocopherol were obtained only for tocopherol in the form of drugs and dietary supplements, but not on vitamins obtained with ordinary food.

Another nuance: domestic doctors often recommend vitamin E preparations for pregnant women – returning to the list of the most typical indications for its use, pregnancy and its various pathologies can be seen in the first places. However, WHO does not recommend doing this. Experts from this organization believe that, based on the analysis of a large body of research data, taking vitamin E does not improve pregnancy outcome, but may increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rules, so we once again remind you that the rating of the best vitamin E preparations, like the rest of the ratings from the 'remedies and preparations' section, is only for informational purposes, but not recommendatory. Only a doctor who has a complete understanding of the patient's state of health should recommend medications and even dietary supplements.

We deliberately did not include in the rating oil solutions of vitamin E in vials. In this form, the agent is more actively subjected to oxidation, interacting with atmospheric oxygen. Therefore, from our point of view, preparations in capsules are preferable.

The maximum allowable daily intake of vitamin E for adults is 1500 IU

Rating of the best vitamin E preparations

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best natural vitamin E preparations	1	Jarrow Formulas, Famil-E	RUB 1,841
	2	Dr. Mercola, Vitamin-E	RUB 1,969
	3	Solgar, Naturally Sourced Vitamin E	434 r
The best vitamin E monopreparations	1	Vitamin E Zentiva	182 r
	2	Alpha-tocopherol acetate 0.1 No. 10	RUB 85
	3	Natural Vitamin E, Mirrola	35 RUB
The best complex preparations of vitamin E	1	Selzink plus	349 r
	2	Irwin Naturals, Immuno-Shield, All Season Wellness	RUB 950
	3	Doppelherz vip spermaktiv	859 r
	4	Aevit	RUB 16

The best natural vitamin E preparations

We are not supporters of the theory that only naturally occurring vitamins are absorbed and have any value. At least until the results of a large-scale study appear that confirm it. But for tocopherol preparations, the hypothesis about the greater value of the funds obtained from natural sources may make sense. Natural vitamin E is actually a mixture of 8 chemically similar substances – tocopherols and tocotrienols. Whereas synthetic contains exclusively alpha-tocopherol. By the way, the recommended dosages used by official medicine also apply only to this component, while the daily norms for the rest have not been established. Therefore, it is likely that vitamin E obtained from natural sources, containing a mixture of all isomers, is more effective and safer than synthetic.

The drugs from this section of the rating are suitable for supporters of exclusively natural remedies. But you will have to order them online and wait for delivery. In addition, the price of funds from this section of the rating is much higher.

Jarrow Formulas, Famil-E

Rating: 4.9

An American drug that contains 60 IU of alpha-tocopherol, as well as 250 mg of a mixture of tocopherols (beta, gamma and delta) and 38 mg of tocotrienols (also alpha, beta, gamma and delta). Since there are no recommended consumption rates for these components, it is impossible to assess their amount from the point of view of replenishing the deficiency of necessary substances.

The manufacturer recommends taking 1 capsule of the drug per knock, that is, a package of 60 mg is enough for 2 months.

Advantages

• natural origin,
• contains all 8 vitamin E isomers.

disadvantages

• can only be purchased online;
• high price.

Dr. Mercola, Vitamin-E

Rating: 4.8

Another American natural remedy. The vitamins in it are obtained from rice bran and palm oil. Contains 134 mg or 200 IU of alpha-tocopherol and a mixture of the remaining isomers. The recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day, 30 capsules per package.

Advantages

• does not contain soy;
• full range of isomers.

disadvantages

• available only via the Internet;
• expensive.

Solgar, Naturally Sourced Vitamin E

Rating: 4.7

This drug cannot boast of the full range of vitamin E isomers, as it contains only a mixture of 4 tocopherols derived from safflore oil. Its main advantage is the variety of dosages. Depending on the form of release, the capsule can contain 100, 200, 400 or 1000 IU of tocopherol. The number of capsules can also vary: 100 or 250 per pack. So that the buyer can choose the optimal dosage and amount of the vitamin E preparation.

Advantages

• a variety of dosages.

disadvantages

• not all isomers are presented,
• only via the Internet,
• expensive.

The best vitamin E monopreparations

In this section of the rating, we have collected traditional drugs used for the prevention and treatment of hypovitaminosis E.

Vitamin E Zentiva

Rating: 4.6

Produced by a Czech pharmaceutical company. Perhaps that is why it is somewhat more expensive than other drugs from this section of the rating, although many times cheaper than American products of natural origin. The package contains 30 capsules, 200 mg (300 IU) of tocopherol. Food coloring is added to the product, which is considered by some reviewers as a disadvantage.

Advantages

• European quality,
• 1 pack for a month.

disadvantages

• contains dye E 124.

Alpha-tocopherol acetate 0.1 No. 10

Rating: 4.5

Rating 4.5.

Time-tested, extremely inexpensive preparation containing 100 mg or 150 IU of vitamin E dissolved in sunflower oil.

Advantages

• profitability.

disadvantages

• not.

Natural Vitamin E, Mirrola

Rating: 4.4

In theory, this drug should have been in the previous section of our ranking. But since the manufacturer specifies in the instructions only alpha-tocopherol acetate, that is, the classic form of vitamin E, without mentioning the other isomers, there is no reason to talk about any fundamental difference between this drug and synthetic drugs. In addition, the capsule contains only 10 mg or 15 IU of tocopherol. Such an amount does not fully satisfy the daily requirement for vitamin E for a healthy person, and, of course, insufficient in situations of its increased consumption.

Available in packs of 10, 20 and 30 capsules.

Advantages

• natural origin,
• profitability.

disadvantages

• suitable for healthy people for prevention, but not for treatment.

The best complex preparations of vitamin E

Vitamin E complex preparations are usually produced as means for solving specific problems. For example, improve the condition of hair and skin, or male fertility, or help combat stress. The number of components in such complexes starts from 2 and is limited only by the ideas of the developers about the optimal composition. In order not to confuse and not tire the reader with long lists of ingredients, we have chosen three vitamin E preparations with the most minimalistic composition for this section of the rating.

Selzink plus

Rating: 4.3

Dietary supplement made in the Czech Republic. From the name it can be understood that the product contains compounds of selenium and zinc – well-known antioxidants. But, besides them, the product contains vitamins C, E (50 IU) and beta-carotene. The result is a powerful antioxidant complex. Describing the indications for use, the instruction is limited to the laconic 'with a deficiency of antioxidants'. Therefore, we give the most popular reasons for using this complex:

1. chronic stress
2. to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
3. to maintain male sexual function and fertility;
4. to maintain immunity.

The package contains 30 tablets, this is enough for a monthly course.

We draw the attention of readers that this remedy is a dietary supplement, that is, it is intended not for active treatment, but for maintaining health.

Advantages

• complex of antioxidants,
• European production.
• a wide range of application possibilities.

disadvantages

• uninformative instruction.

Irwin Naturals, Immuno-Shield, All Season Wellness

Rating: 4.2

This complex is interesting because, in addition to the popular antioxidants: vitamin E, ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, zinc and selenium, extracts of herbs that stimulate immunity are added to it: echinacea, astragalus, oregano and olive. The package contains 100 soft capsules that are easy to swallow.

As the name implies, the drug is designed to support the immune system. In the first week, it is recommended to take 6 capsules per day in order to quickly saturate the body with the necessary substances. Further, it is recommended to take 1 capsule per day. Thus, one package is enough for about 2.5 months of use – as a rule, this period is enough to 'cover' the body during the cold season.

Advantages

• contains a complex of natural plant extracts.

disadvantages

• inconvenient application regimen in the first week of admission;
• only available on the internet.

Doppelherz vip spermaktiv

Rating: 4.1

Rating 4.1.

Vitamin and mineral complex with an extremely minimalistic composition: 5 mg (7.45 IU) of vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Designed to support male sexual function and fertility. But if we proceed from the composition of the drug, it can also be used to maintain the body during chronic stress and during the period of respiratory infections, so the remedy is also suitable for women. The package contains 30 capsules, which will last for a month of continuous use. Given that one package costs at least twice as much as a package of the leading drug in this section of the rating, there is no need to talk about the cost-effectiveness of the product.

Advantages

• a small amount of components reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions;

disadvantages

• high price.

Aevit

Rating: 4.0

Another 'Soviet classic' vitamin E preparation is a simple and time-tested combination of vitamins A and E containing 100 IU of tocopherol acetate. It is prescribed for a wide range of pathologies:

1. Impaired absorption of vitamins: condition after resection of the stomach, diarrhea, impaired exocrine pancreatic function with steatorrhea, celiac disease and other malabsorption.
2. Infectious diseases that cause an increased need for vitamins A and E: any viral infections, including ARVI, tropical sprue.
3. Eye diseases: keratomalacia, hemeralopia, xerophthalmia.
4. Diseases of the skin, accompanied by a violation of tissue trophism: eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, seborrheic dermatitis.
5. Addictions causing increased consumption of vitamins: smoking, alcoholic, narcotic.
6. Other conditions that increase the need for vitamins: rapid weight loss, unbalanced diets, antibiotics, mineral oils, iron supplements. Peripheral neuropathies, myopathy, abetalipoproteinemia.

In the instructions for use, the manufacturer does not indicate how many capsules per day need to be taken, limiting the streamlined 'based on the state of health and individual needs' But given that 1 capsule contains 100,000 IU of retinol acetate, which is 20 times higher than the daily requirement even for relatively high optimal intake, relatively healthy people should not take more than 1 capsule per day. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, the excess of which is rapidly excreted in the urine, fat-soluble retinol can accumulate in the body, leading to severe poisoning.

Another important detail is that high doses of vitamin A can contribute to impaired fetal development, so Aevit is categorically contraindicated during pregnancy.

We draw the attention of readers that in addition to the traditional 'Aevit' with a high content of vitamins and registered as a drug, now numerous dietary supplements are produced under the same name, but containing a much smaller amount of the active substance. Perhaps for healthy people who simply want to improve the condition of their hair, nails and skin, such dietary supplements are better suited due to the reduced content of retinol. But if it is not about prevention, but about the treatment of diseases, it is better to use the original formula.

Advantages

• inexpensive,
• time-tested means.

disadvantages

• a very high dose of retinol,
• contraindicated in pregnant women.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.