The current RDA for males is 10 mg and 8 mg for females. Leafy vegetables also supply an appreciable amount of this nutrient. However, animal products and most fruits and vegetables are generally poor sources. Absorption of vitamin E is dependent upon the digestion and absorption of fat. Free tocopherols are absorbed by a non-saturable passive process into the lymphatic circulation along with fat.
Vitamin E is relatively safe compared to the fat-soluble vitamins.
Few side effects from high intakes of this vitamin have been reported, even at doses as high as 3200 mg daily. However, high vitamin E supplementation may be contraindicated when a coagulation defect is present due to vitamin K deficiency or in individuals receiving anticoagulant drugs. This effect, however, may not be mediated through its antioxidant properties. Evidence from in vitro studies shows that vitamin E influences expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved immune response in healthy elderly.