Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Test
Reviewed
Also called: tocopherol test, alpha-tocopherol test, vitamin E serum test
A vitamin E test measures the amount of vitamin E in your blood. Vitamin E (also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol) is a nutrient.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- To find out if you are absorbing enough vitamin E, especially if you have a disorder that affects how your body uses vitamin E.
- To check vitamin E levels in premature babies born before 37 weeks.
- To find out if you are getting too much vitamin E, especially if you have symptoms and have been taking vitamin E supplements.
Preparation and collection
You will probably need to fast (not eat or drink) for 12-14 hours before the test.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Normal vitamin E levels vary with age. Your test results should say if your results are normal for your age.
- Low vitamin E levels: Low vitamin E levels mean you are not getting or absorbing enough vitamin E. Limitation: Low levels are often caused by digestive diseases, including malabsorption disorders that make it difficult for your body to digest fat. Next step: Your health care provider will use your medical history and the results from other tests to diagnose the cause.
- High vitamin E levels: High vitamin E levels mean you are getting too much vitamin E. Limitation: High levels usually happen from taking too many vitamin E supplements. Next step: If you have been taking vitamin E supplements, you will need to stop.
- The test does not diagnose the cause of abnormal levels; your provider will use your medical history and other tests.
- Vitamin E supplements may affect how certain medicines work, including blood thinners and cancer medicines, and may affect your body's ability to use other vitamins.
What to do next
So, before taking any dietary supplements, always talk with your provider to find out if they are safe for you.
- What do my vitamin E test results mean for my health?
- Do I need any follow-up tests?
- Should I change my diet or stop taking any supplements?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Test