How to Choose the Best Vitamin E Supplements for Health & Beauty

Silver spoon with Vitamin E tablets on a white surface. Tips to choose the Best Vitamin E Supplements.

In the quest for better health and radiant skin, one nutrient stands out: Vitamin E. Known as the “skin vitamin,” vitamin E plays a vital role in our overall well-being. It’s a potent antioxidant, supporting our immune system and other bodily functions.

While getting vitamin E from natural foods is best, supplements are sometimes necessary. But how do you pick the best vitamin E supplements?

With this blog, let’s explore how to choose the best vitamin E supplements for your skin, hair, and overall health.

1. Best Vitamin E Source

The first thing to understand is that vitamin E comes in two primary forms: natural and synthetic. The best sources of Vitamin E are undoubtedly those derived from nature, specifically from plants such as Annatto, Rice, and Palm.

However, it’s crucial to note that not all natural sources are created equal. Annatto stands out as it contains pure Tocotrienols, whereas other natural sources like Rice and Palm contain a mix of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols.

Tocopherols may be commonly found in several skin and hair care products for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but Tocotrienols are proven to be far more potent.

Clinical trials and studies suggest that Tocotrienols are 50 times more potent as antioxidants than Tocopherols.[1] They are also biologically active and better absorbed by the body, providing greater benefits for your skin, immune system, and overall health.
Therefore, when choosing a natural source of Vitamin E, Annatto is the superior choice.

2. Vitamin E for Skin Health

Vitamin E is celebrated for its ability to enhance skin health. It acts as a natural moisturizer, reducing dryness and preventing premature aging. When choosing a vitamin E supplement for your skin, consider these factors:

  • Isoform: Look for vitamin E supplements in the form of tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are the purest form of Vitamin E. As per the world’s leading Vitamin E expert, Dr. Barrie Tan, “Tocotrienols, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can do incredible things.”
  • Dose: The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E varies by age and whether or not you’re breastfeeding. As per studies and suggestions, people take 125 to 250 mg of vitamin E tocotrienols per day, with a meal, as a maintenance dosage. However, for specific skin benefits, higher doses may be needed. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage for your skin concerns.
  • Additional Ingredient: Check the supplement’s ingredients list for additional skin-enhancing compounds like Omega 3, Vitamin K, Collagen, and Geranylgeraniol (GG). Since Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound, it may be beneficial to pair it with another fat-soluble nutrient for enhanced absorption and efficacy. [2]This can optimize the benefits you receive, making your health regimen even more effective.

3. Vitamin E for Hair Growth

Vitamin E isn’t just beneficial for your skin; and supports healthy hair growth. It improves blood circulation to the scalp and strengthens hair from the inside.[3]

Here’s what you need to know when selecting a vitamin E supplement for hair growth:

While there’s no specific RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for hair growth, higher doses of vitamin E can promote hair health. Consult a healthcare provider to determine a suitable dosage for your hair needs.
Look for supplements that combine vitamin E with biotin, zinc, and other hair-boosting nutrients for maximum benefits.

4. Vitamin E for the Immune System

Your immune system relies on various vitamins and trace minerals, including vitamin E, to function optimally. Vitamin E helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, boosting the immune system’s defenses. [4]

The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for vitamin E for immune system health is the same as the general RDA (15 milligrams, or 22.4 IU). However, as per a 2019 study, experts recommend higher doses during illness or periods of increased stress. [5]

However, as individual cases may vary, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Combined Nutrients: Consider supplements that combine vitamin E with vitamin C, zinc, and selenium for comprehensive immune system support.[6]

5. Good Vitamin E Supplements

Now that we have seen how to select a good vitamin E supplement, the next question would be what makes a vitamin E supplement “good”? A good supplement should meet the following criteria:

  1. Choose brands that provide clear information about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
  2. Look for supplements that have been third-party tested for quality and purity.
  3. Check the expiration date to ensure the supplement is still potent.

6. Best-Rated Vitamin E Supplements

To ensure you’re getting a high-quality vitamin E supplement, always check the ratings and reviews. Reputable brands often have products with a strong track record. Look for supplements that have been well received by users and are endorsed by healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Remember that vitamin E is a valuable nutrient for maintaining overall well-being, supporting your immune system, and enhancing the beauty of your skin and hair. [7] Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on your supplement journey.

With the right choice, you can harness the benefits of vitamin E to look and feel your best.

References: 

  1. Ekhlasi, Golnaz, et al. “Effects of symbiotic and vitamin E supplementation on blood pressure, nitric oxide and inflammatory factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.” EXCLI journal 16 (2017): 278.
  2. Shahidi, Fereidoon, et al. “Vitamin E as an essential micronutrient for human health: Common, novel, and unexplored dietary sources.” Free Radical Biology and Medicine 176 (2021): 312-321.
  3. Ekhlasi, Golnaz, et al. “Do symbiotic and Vitamin E supplementation have favorite effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 21 (2016).
  4. Calder PC. Nutrition, immunity and COVID-19. BMJ Nutr Prev Health. 2020 May 20;3(1):74-92. doi: 10.1136/bmjnph-2020-000085.
  5. Lewis, Erin Diane, Simin Nikbin Meydani, and Dayong Wu. “Regulatory role of vitamin E in the immune system and inflammation.” IUBMB life 71.4 (2019): 487-494.
  6. Soo-Hyun Park, Jaein Lee, Jin-Taek Hwang, Min-Yu Chung, Physiologic and epigenetic effects of nutrients on disease pathways, Nutrition Research and Practice, 10.4162/nrp.2023.17.1.13, 17, 1, (13), (2023).
  7. Galli, F., Azzi, A., Birringer, M., Cook-Mills, J. M., Eggersdorfer, M., Frank, J., … & Özer, N. K. (2017). Vitamin E: Emerging aspects and new directions. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 102, 16-36.

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