Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A vitamin E test determines the level of alpha-tocopherol in the blood. You can use it to determine if you consume an adequate amount of vitamin E or too much. The test can determine whether the body absorbs enough vitamin E to meet its needs. Certain disorders can occasionally interfere with the absorption of vitamin E.

If you have symptoms of either vitamin E excess or deficiency (low levels of vitamin E), you may require a vitamin E test (high levels of vitamin E).

A vitamin E shortage frequently manifests as nerve and muscle damage. They consist of the following:

• Muscle weakness
• Coordination and walking difficulties
• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Vision deterioration
• Immune disturbances

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of bleeding

Low vitamin E levels indicate insufficient vitamin E intake or absorption. To determine the cause, your doctor will consult your medical history and the outcomes of additional testing. Vitamin E deficiency is often treated with vitamin supplements and the treatment of any disorders that may be preventing absorption.

You obtain too much vitamin E if you have high vitamin E levels. You must cease taking vitamin E pills if you have been doing so. Your doctor can also recommend medications to treat you if vitamin E has contributed to bleeding issues.

Humans' recommended range for vitamin E is 5.5–17 µg/mL. It ranges from 3 to 18.4 µg/mL in children. Age affects normal vitamin E levels. If your test results are typical for your period, they should indicate so in the results.

When a patient receives vitamin E supplementation therapy, this test is requested to track the effectiveness of the treatment. It is unnecessary to seek medical attention if the test findings are normal or slightly elevated. However, if the levels are low, you may have a condition called abetalipoproteinemia. Your doctor may advise performing this test every two months or as needed, depending on your health.

Diagnostic centres offer a home sample collection facility for a Vitamin E test. However, the Vitamin E test cost will increase due to the home sample collection. Therefore, if a diagnostic centre is nearby, it is better to visit it for a Vitamin E test.