Vitamin E: What Is It and Where Do You Get It?

What is Vitamin E’s Role in the Body?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that performs many functions. First, it’s an antioxidant which protects body tissue from damage. It’s also essential in helping to keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria. In addition, it plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, helps keep blood from clotting, and aids in the process of wound healing. Vitamin E also works to protect cell structure and is often used to support patients with heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and AIDS.

What Foods Are Good Sources of Vitamin E?

The best way to get the daily requirement of vitamin E is by eating foods that contain it. These food sources include:

• Nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts/filberts)
• Seeds (such as sunflower seeds)
• Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli)
• Vegetable oils (such as wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean oils)
• Some fruits, such as mango and kiwi
• Beef and egg yolk
• Fortified breakfast cereals, fruit juices, margarine, and spreads

The recommended daily amount for adults is 15mg.

If you would like more information on or help with how to include more essential vitamins and minerals in your daily diet, contact us today! Our registered dietitians will be happy to help formulate a nutrition plan to promote optimal health.

Information adapted from medlineplus.gov