Vitamin E test: what the blood result means

Vitamin E is the general name for a group of fat-soluble compounds (tocopherols) that act as antioxidants: they protect cell membranes from the damage caused by free radicals. Because vitamin E dissolves in fat, its absorption from the gut depends on how the body processes fats. That is why any illness that interferes with the digestion of fat or with the flow of bile can lower the amount of vitamin E in blood even when a person is eating properly. The test is most often ordered not as part of a general health check but for a specific reason — when an absorption problem is suspected, when monitoring premature newborns, or to check whether someone taking large doses of vitamin E supplements has taken too much. The normal amount of vitamin E in blood depends on age, so the laboratory states on the result sheet whether a particular person's result matches the range for their age group.

• When a problem with absorbing fat is suspected — in Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis or inflammation of the pancreas
• In premature newborns, to check whether they are getting enough vitamin E from their feeding
• When large doses of vitamin E supplements are being taken — to check whether too much has built up
• When a very strict, low-fat diet has been followed for a long time
• When symptoms appear that may be linked to a shortage of vitamin E — muscle weakness, or problems with balance or eyesight

There is no single vitamin E figure that applies to everyone: the normal amount in blood depends on age, and the exact numeric limits also depend on the laboratory's method. The laboratory states on the result sheet whether a particular person's result matches the range for their age group, so compare your value with the range printed on your own report. A doctor assesses the result.

A high vitamin E result (excess)

According to MedlinePlus, a raised vitamin E in blood is usually linked to taking too much in supplements rather than to food. Because vitamin E builds up in fatty tissue, taking large doses of supplements over a long period can push the amount in blood above the range.

Listed causes of a high result:

• Taking too much vitamin E in supplements
• Combining several supplements that contain vitamin E over a long period

What to discuss with a doctor:

• Whether vitamin E or other supplements are being taken — it is worth telling your doctor the exact amount
• Whether the test was repeated after the supplements were stopped
• Discussing with your doctor whether the supplements need adjusting

A lowered vitamin E most often points to a problem with absorbing fat, rather than simply to too little of it in food. According to MedlinePlus, a low vitamin E is often caused by bowel or liver diseases that interfere with the digestion of fat, or by a diet very low in fat.

Listed causes of a low result:

• Crohn's disease
• Liver disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Coeliac disease
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• A diet very low in fat
• Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (a genetic disorder)
• Abetalipoproteinaemia (a very rare inherited disease)

What to discuss with a doctor:

• Whether there is a known disease of the digestive tract or the liver that interferes with absorbing fat
• An assessment of the diet — whether there is enough fat for vitamin E to be absorbed
• Discussing further monitoring or additional tests with your doctor

Related pages

Vitamin A test, vitamin D test, vitamin K test, vitamin C test, omega-3 index.