How to Best Absorb Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and also an antioxidant. It helps lower cholesterol, boost the immune system and is essential for heart health.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take the natural form of vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol. It is more potent than the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol).

• 2

  Take vitamin E together with vitamin A. It is necessary for vitamin A absorption.

• 3

  Avoid taking iron and vitamin E together. Inorganic iron can destroy vitamin E. Take the supplements separately.

• 4

  Take your minerals separately from vitamin E. Minerals may block the absorption of vitamin E.

• 5

  Break up your vitamin E dose into smaller doses and take at intervals throughout the day.

• 6

  Avoid high doses of vitamin E if you are taking anticoagulant drugs. It can enhance their effect.

• 7

  Check your other medications. Anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamin E. You may need to take a larger supplement.