• Nutrition
• Vitamins and Supplements

Can You Consume Too Much Vitamin E? What You Should Know About Vitamin E Overdose

Medically reviewed and edited by Leah May APRN, FNP-C

While getting enough vitamin E is important for overall health, too much of it can be harmful.

Perhaps you’ve been taking supplements to support your well-being, only to find yourself feeling more tired than usual, suffering from frequent nosebleeds, or dealing with headaches.

It’s easy to overlook the possibility that something as seemingly harmless as a vitamin could be the cause. However, excessive intake of vitamin E can be dangerous.

In this article, we’ll look at what happens when you consume too much vitamin E, warning signs to watch out for, and how to ensure you’re getting the benefits without the risks.

What is Vitamin E and How Does it Affect the Body?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient with antioxidant properties that play an essential role in maintaining various bodily processes.

Not only does vitamin E protect cells from oxidative damage, but its antioxidant effects also help lower your risk of chronic diseases like prostate cancer.

Vitamin E is crucial for immune support, skin health, and proper function of the eyes and cardiovascular system.

How much vitamin E do you need?

The amount of vitamin E you need depends largely on your age, gender, and overall health. 

The recommended daily intake (RDI) for adults and teenagers over 14 is 15 milligrams (mg). Children under 14 require smaller doses, ranging from six to 11 mg daily.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have different vitamin E requirements and are advised to consume between 15 and 19 mg to support their health.

What is Vitamin E Overdose?

Although vitamin E is an essential nutrient, consuming it in excess may put you at risk of an overdose. 

This is also known as vitamin E toxicity and it develops when a person consistently consumes more of this nutrient than the RDI.

Since vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body stores it in fatty tissue and the liver to use as needed.

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, these nutrients aren’t excreted through urine, and any excess is stored. This can cause a buildup, which may raise vitamin levels and contribute to an overdose.

Warning signs of vitamin E toxicity

Vitamin E toxicity can cause various health issues, which can be severe and even life-threatening. 

Recognizing the warning signs of a vitamin overdose is key for seeking prompt medical attention and avoiding complications. These signs may include:

• Nausea and diarrhea 

• Persistent headaches and dizziness

• Blurred vision 

• Fatigue and muscle weakness

• Increased risk of bleeding (may include more frequent bruises or nosebleeds)

Should you develop any of these symptoms, consult your doctor about possible treatment options as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Vitamin E Overdose

Consuming too much vitamin E primarily occurs due to incorrect supplement use rather than eating too many foods rich in this nutrient.

Most people obtain adequate vitamin E from following a balanced diet, but taking supplements in high doses alongside this can quickly raise levels beyond what the body needs.

Other causes of vitamin E toxicity may include:

• Combining multiple supplements: Some people accidentally consume too much vitamin E by taking multiple supplements containing this nutrient — such as multivitamins, fish oil, or beauty supplements. The body will then store vitamin E, contributing to an excessive intake and eventual toxicity.

• Long-term supplement use: Even moderate doses of vitamin E supplements can lead to overdose when taken over an extended period. This is because prolonged use increases the risk of vitamin E building up in the body and reaching toxic levels.

• Lack of medical guidance: Taking vitamin E supplements without consulting a healthcare professional can lead to unnecessary or excessive dosing. You should seek medical advice before starting any vitamin E supplementation regimen to avoid accidental overdoses.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Vitamin E Toxicity

Stop supplementation 

If you’ve been taking vitamin E supplements, the first step to treating an overdose is to discontinue their use.This helps to prevent further accumulation of vitamin E in the body, allowing elevated levels to decrease naturally.

To prevent vitamin E toxicity from recurring, stick to the recommended dosage for supplements.

You should also avoid high-dose vitamin supplements unless your doctor prescribes them. 

Getting symptomatic relief 

Treating vitamin E toxicity may also involve addressing specific symptoms caused by the overdose — such as headaches, nausea, or blurred vision.

Depending on the severity of your overdose, this could include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication to alleviate any discomfort.

Medical supervision 

In cases of severe toxicity, medical supervision may be necessary to help treat and prevent your vitamin E overdose.

This may involve a healthcare provider performing blood tests and monitoring the samples for elevated vitamin E levels to assess your risk of complications — such as cardiovascular issues.

In rare cases, hospitalization may be required to ensure you receive proper care.

Monitor your intake

Monitoring your intake of vitamin E — whether through diet or supplements — is crucial for preventing an overdose.

You can do this by educating yourself about the amount of vitamin E in foods you regularly consume. 

For example, one ounce of almonds contains 7.3 mg of vitamin E, which is around 50% of the RDI.

So, if you’ve had one serving of almonds, you would have nearly met your daily intake and you should limit your consumption of other vitamin E-rich foods for the day.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Vitamin E Toxicity?

If vitamin E toxicity is left untreated, it can have uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening complications. Let’s take a look at these:

Persistent uncomfortable symptoms

Without treatment, the symptoms of vitamin E toxicity — such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue — can become chronic.

These symptoms can significantly reduce your quality of life, making everyday activities difficult and uncomfortable.

Increased risk of bleeding 

One of the most dangerous consequences of untreated vitamin E toxicity is its impact on blood clotting.

Excess vitamin E can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot properly, increasing your risk of excessive bleeding.

In some cases, this can result in severe internal bleeding — including hemorrhagic strokes — which can be life-threatening.

Long-term liver damage

The liver plays a key role in processing and storing fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E.

Over time, excessive levels of vitamin E can overwhelm the liver, potentially leading to long-term damage — such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or liver dysfunction.

This can significantly impact your overall health, as the liver is essential for detoxification and supporting other vital processes in the body.

When Should You See Your Doctor About Your Vitamin E Intake?

It’s important to consult your doctor about your vitamin E intake if you experience any unusual symptoms or if you’re concerned that you’re consuming too much.

You should also see your doctor if you:

• Experience persistent symptoms that could indicate an overdose, such as nausea, headaches, fatigue, or dizziness

• Have clotting issues, including frequent nosebleeds, bruising more easily, or experiencing prolonged bleeding from minor cuts

• Are taking multiple supplements that may contain vitamin E to help ensure you’re not exceeding the maximum dose

• Are considering taking a vitamin E supplement to support your health

• Have any underlying health conditions that may affect your liver, blood clotting, and fat absorption 

Consulting your doctor under these circumstances allows them to evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate vitamin E dosage to support your well-being.

Take Control of Your Vitamin Intake with LifeMD

If you’re looking for more information on improving your vitamin intake to support your overall well-being, LifeMD has got you covered.

A team of medical professionals can help guide you towards implementing healthy habits — all from the comfort of your home. 

Make an appointment with LifeMD to take control of your health today. 

Leah May APRN, FNP-C

Leah is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Primary Care, Pediatrics, Men’s Health, and Obesity Medicine. She has been practicing in Telemedicine for over five years and is passionate about being able to deliver healthcare across the nation. During her downtime, her favorite things to do are spending time with her family trying new things, exploring new foods and places, and staying active.

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