How much is too much vitamin E per day?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplemental vitamin E in adults is 1,000 milligrams per day, a threshold that, when crossed, significantly increases health risks. This critical guideline helps answer the question of how much is too much vitamin E per day and highlights the potential dangers of high-dose supplementation.

Quick Summary

The maximum safe daily limit for vitamin E supplements is 1,000 mg for adults due to serious bleeding risks, though some harm can occur at lower levels. Toxicity is almost entirely associated with supplemental intake, not food consumption.

Key Points

Adult Upper Limit: The safe upper intake level for supplemental vitamin E is 1,000 mg (1,500 IU natural / 1,100 IU synthetic) for adults.
Primary Risk is Bleeding: High doses of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly a hemorrhagic stroke.
Food is Safer: It is nearly impossible to reach toxic levels of vitamin E from food sources alone, making supplementation the main risk factor.
Potential Drug Interactions: Vitamin E supplements can interfere with blood thinners and certain cancer treatments.
Symptoms of Excess: Mild vitamin E toxicity can cause nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, while severe cases may involve easy bruising and bleeding.
More isn't always better: Evidence suggests potential harm, including increased mortality in at-risk groups and a higher risk of prostate cancer in men, can occur at supplemental doses lower than the official upper limit.

Understanding Recommended Intake vs. Upper Limit

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for most healthy adults is 15 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E daily, achievable through a balanced diet. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplemental vitamin E, however, is 1,000 mg per day for adults, representing the maximum intake unlikely to cause harm. Exceeding this, especially with supplements, can lead to toxicity because excess fat-soluble vitamin E is stored in the body.

Risks Associated with Excessive Vitamin E

High doses of vitamin E, primarily from supplements, can lead to serious health risks due to accumulation in the body.

Vitamin E and Increased Bleeding Risk

A major concern with high vitamin E intake is its interference with blood clotting, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising. This risk is particularly high for those on anticoagulant medications and has been linked to hemorrhagic stroke in severe cases.

The Link to Specific Cancers

Studies like the SELECT trial have shown unexpected links between high-dose vitamin E supplements and increased cancer risk, specifically prostate cancer in men taking 400 IU (180 mg) daily. This highlights the need for caution with megadoses.

Mortality Concerns from High Doses

Some analyses suggest an increased risk of death in individuals, especially those with chronic diseases, taking more than 400 IU (180 mg) of vitamin E supplements daily. While more research is needed, these findings emphasize that higher doses are not necessarily beneficial.

Key Differences: Vitamin E from Food vs. Supplements

Obtaining vitamin E from food sources is safe, as the body regulates absorption. Toxicity is almost exclusively linked to high-dose supplements. Food sources include vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green vegetables. Supplements often contain doses significantly exceeding the RDA.

High-Dose Vitamin E and Drug Interactions

High-dose vitamin E supplements can interact with medications. They can increase bleeding risk with blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin, potentially interfere with chemotherapy and radiation, and might reduce the effectiveness of some cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Table: Recommended vs. Maximum Daily Intake


Life Stage	RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) in mg/day	UL (Tolerable Upper Intake Level) in mg/day from Supplements	Potential Risk with Excess Intake (Supplements)
Adults (19+ years)	15 mg	1,000 mg	Increased bleeding risk, hemorrhagic stroke, prostate cancer risk in men
Breastfeeding women	19 mg	1,000 mg	Increased bleeding risk
Teenagers (14-18)	15 mg	800 mg	Increased bleeding risk
Children (9-13)	11 mg	600 mg	Increased bleeding risk
Children (4-8)	7 mg	300 mg	Increased bleeding risk

What to Do If You Suspect Vitamin E Toxicity

Symptoms of excess vitamin E can include nausea, fatigue, headache, and diarrhea. If experiencing these while taking high-dose supplements, stop and consult a doctor. Severe symptoms like unusual bleeding or headaches require immediate medical attention. Medical professionals can assess the situation and may administer vitamin K if necessary.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Food Over Supplements

While vitamin E is important, excessive supplemental intake carries significant risks, including bleeding issues and potential links to certain cancers. The official adult UL is 1,000 mg, but harm can occur at lower supplemental doses. A balanced diet provides sufficient vitamin E for most people, making supplementation often unnecessary. Prioritizing food sources and consulting a healthcare provider before taking high-dose supplements is the safest approach. For more information, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements website is a valuable resource.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making changes to your supplement regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E for most adults is 15 milligrams (mg) per day, which is generally easy to achieve through a balanced diet.

No, it is highly unlikely to consume a harmful amount of vitamin E from food sources. Toxicity risk is primarily associated with high-dose supplements.

Early symptoms of excess vitamin E intake may include nausea, fatigue, headache, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. If you notice these signs, especially when taking supplements, you should stop and consult a doctor.

Individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (like warfarin or aspirin), those with a history of heart attack or stroke, and men concerned about prostate cancer may face higher risks from high-dose vitamin E supplements.

A severe overdose can cause excessive bleeding and, in rare but serious cases, can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain).

For healthy individuals, supplements are typically unnecessary, as a balanced diet provides sufficient amounts. Supplements are generally only needed for people with diagnosed deficiencies or malabsorption issues, under a doctor's supervision.

Both natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) vitamin E forms can be harmful in high doses, but the natural form is more potent. The 1,000 mg UL applies to both supplemental forms.