Nov132025
A platter of foods rich in vitamin E next to wooden blocks spelling out ‘vitamin E’

What are the advantages of vitamin E?

Although vitamin E is frequently listed in skincare products, its function extends well beyond topical serums and creams. It’s a fat-soluble nutrient that supports many vital bodily processes and has strong antioxidant qualities.

Vitamin E is essential for overall health, just like any other nutrient. Most of the time, a balanced, varied diet can provide people with what they need. Supplements, however, might provide a practical way to help maintain adequate levels in specific circumstances. It is always best to get personalised advice from a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your intake or concerned about a deficiency.

Vitamin E is essential for overall health, just like any other nutrient. Most of the time, a balanced and varied diet can provide people with what they need. Supplements, however, might offer a practical way to help maintain adequate levels in specific circumstances. If you’re concerned about your vitamin E intake, learning more about its benefits can help you understand why getting the right amount matters. Understanding how it supports your body may also make it easier to identify whether you’re meeting your daily needs through food or if supplementation could be beneficial. It is always best to get personalised advice from a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your intake or concerned about a deficiency.

What are the benefits of vitamin E?

Vitamin E primarily works as an antioxidant, helping to protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.¹ Free radicals are unstable molecules that form naturally in the body as a result of processes like metabolism, as well as external factors such as pollution, smoking, and UV exposure. When too many free radicals accumulate, they can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, a process known as oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to ageing and to the development of various long-term health concerns. Antioxidants like vitamin E help to neutralise these free radicals, reducing their harmful effects and supporting the body’s natural defences. This protective role forms the foundation of many of vitamin E’s benefits, including its contribution to skin health, immune function, and overall cellular protection.

Skin health

One of the most recognised areas where vitamin E plays a role is skin health. Its antioxidant action helps to defend skin cells against environmental stressors that contribute to oxidative stress, such as UV exposure and pollution.¹ These stressors can damage skin cells, accelerate signs of ageing and weaken the skin’s natural barrier.

Common sources of oxidative stress for the skin include:

  • UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds 
  • Air pollution and environmental toxins 
  • Cigarette smoke exposure 
  • Harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold 
  • Poor nutrition and lack of essential antioxidants in the diet 
  • Stress and lack of sleep, which can affect the skin’s repair process

By helping to neutralise free radicals caused by these factors, vitamin E supports healthier-looking skin and helps to maintain its natural elasticity and resilience.

Eye health

The eyes are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress, as they are constantly exposed to light and oxygen. By acting as an antioxidant, vitamin E may help reduce damage to retinal cells and support long-term visual function.1 Some studies suggest this could play a role in slowing age-related changes to vision, though evidence remains inconclusive.

Immune system

Through its effects as an antioxidant, vitamin E supports the cells of the immune system, which is vital for fighting off infection and disease.2 This is particularly important for maintaining resilience against everyday challenges. Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin E intake may be especially beneficial for older adults, as immune responses naturally decline with age and therefore prolonged exposure to oxidative stress.3 

Since vitamin E doesn’t solely target the immune system in the way other nutrients do, you can help to support immune function properly by taking a supplement containing those other nutrients. For example, the Multivitamin Mineral Immune supplement contains vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system, as well as vitamin E for antioxidant support.

Cell protection

The most established role of vitamin E lies in its ability to protect cells in general. Free radicals are a natural by-product of metabolism, but in excess they can damage cell membranes and DNA. Vitamin E helps neutralise these free radicals, which supports the integrity and health of the body’s cells.1,2

Vitamin E is more than just a popular ingredient in skincare. It is an essential nutrient with a role in protecting cells, including those of the immune system, skin and eyes. Most people can meet their needs through a balanced diet, but supplements may be a practical choice for those with higher requirements or limited dietary variety.

If you are considering adding vitamin E to your supplement routine, consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is the right approach for you.

References

  1. NHS. (2023). Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin E. National Health Service. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-e/
  2. Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register. (2024). Authorised nutrition and health claims. UK Government. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrition-and-health-claims-great-britain-register
  3. Meydani, S. N., Han, S. N., & Wu, D. (2018). Vitamin E and immune function: Relevance for health in ageing. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1423(1), 142–156. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13562