Overview

Vitamin E is a nutrient that's important for vision, fighting off diseases and the health of the blood, brain, and skin.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Antioxidants might protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which are molecules made when the body breaks down food or is in contact with tobacco smoke or radiation. These molecules might lead to heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oils such as canola and olive oils, nuts, and seeds. Meats, dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals also have vitamin E. And the vitamin comes in capsules or drops to take by mouth.

Too little vitamin E can cause nerve pain, called neuropathy, and damage to the retina, called retinopathy. Retinopathy can cause vision loss.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams a day.