Home›Vitamin E

Content created by

Written by

BDS, PGDHHM

Reviewed by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Vitamin E

Also known as Vitamin E (Tocopherol) by HPLC, Tocopherol Test, Vitamin E Blood Test, Alpha-Tocopherol Blood Test

₹4049~~₹4300~~ 5% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

144 hours

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Vitamin E

What is Vitamin E?

The Vitamin E test is a blood test that helps determine the levels of vitamin E in the body, a strong antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. It helps detect potential vitamin E deficiencies or toxicity, which can have significant health consequences.

Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a potent antioxidant. It helps protect cells from damage from free radicals, supports the immune system, and is important for skin, eye health, and the proper functioning of organs. Vitamin E is naturally found in foods like nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.

The Vitamin E test specifically measures the level of alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E in the body. This test checks if vitamin E levels are too low or too high in the body. Having too little vitamin E can weaken the immune system and damage the nerves. Too much vitamin E can cause problems like bleeding, and poor blood clotting.

Doctors may recommend the Vitamin E test if there are symptoms such as muscle weakness, or trouble with balance and movement, which could indicate a vitamin E deficiency. The test is also recommended for individuals with conditions that affect fat absorption, including celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, or Crohn’s disease. It can also be done to monitor the effectiveness of vitamin E supplements or to check for toxicity in individuals taking high doses of vitamin E supplements.

Usually, no special preparation is required for the vitamin E test. However, it is important to inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken, as they may affect the results.

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation. Therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample for this test is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.

What is Vitamin E used for?

The Vitamin E test is done:

To check the levels of vitamin E in the body.
If there are symptoms like weak muscles, vision problems, trouble walking, or poor coordination, indicating a vitamin E deficiency.
If someone has health problems that make it hard to absorb fat, like cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease.
To check if vitamin E supplements are working effectively or to check vitamin E toxicity.

What does Vitamin E measure?

The Vitamin E test measures the levels of alpha-tocopherol in the blood. This form of vitamin E is the most active and bioavailable and is the primary antioxidant in the body that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin E is important for cellular health, immune function, skin vitality, and the prevention of oxidative stress-related damage. The test helps determine if you are getting enough vitamin E through your diet or supplementation and whether adjustments are necessary to maintain overall health.

Interpreting Vitamin E results

Interpretations

Low levels of vitamin E can be associated with malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease, tropical spurue, cystic fibrosis etc.
High levels are very uncommon

Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin E

Q. What is the Vitamin E test?

The Vitamin E test checks the level of vitamin E (especially alpha-tocopherol) in your blood. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that helps protect your cells and supports your immune system, skin, and overall health.

Q. Why would my doctor recommend taking the Vitamin E test?

Your doctor may suggest this test if you have signs and symptoms such as muscle weakness, vision problems, trouble walking, or poor coordination. It’s also helpful for people who have trouble absorbing fat or are taking medicines that affect vitamin absorption.

Q. How do I prepare for the Vitamin E test?

You usually don’t need to fast for this test. You just need to follow any instructions your doctor gives you to get the best results.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Vitamin E test?

No, the Vitamin E test is generally safe with minimal risks. However, you might feel a small pinch or slight discomfort when the blood is taken, but serious problems are very rare.

Q. What happens if my vitamin E levels are too low?

If your vitamin E levels are too low, you might experience muscle weakness, vision problems, and nerve-related issues. To fix this, your doctor may suggest adjusting your diet or taking supplements to bring your levels back to normal.

Q. What happens if my vitamin E levels are too high?

Excessive vitamin E can cause nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and fatigue, and even increase the risk of bleeding because it acts as a blood thinner. High vitamin E levels usually result from taking too many supplements, not from food.

Q. What conditions can affect vitamin E absorption?

Conditions that affect fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, or celiac disease, can impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamin E properly.

Q. What are the best food sources of vitamin E?

Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods, especially plant-based oils. Some of the best sources include nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, sunflower seeds), vegetable oils (e.g., sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil), green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach, kale), fortified cereals, avocados, sweet potatoes, fish (e.g., salmon, rainbow trout), etc.

Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories that use advanced technology and adhere to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.

+ more