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 is a nutrient found in every cell that helps nerves and muscles work, prevents blood clots, and boosts the immune system. Too little or too much vitamin E can cause serious health problems.
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. 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. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
- Low vitamin E levels: You are not getting or absorbing enough vitamin E. Your health care provider will use your medical history and the results from other tests to diagnose the cause. Limitation: Low levels are often caused by digestive diseases, including malabsorption disorders. Vitamin E deficiency is very uncommon in healthy people. Next step: You can usually treat vitamin E deficiency by taking vitamin supplements and treating any conditions that may be blocking absorption.
- High vitamin E levels: You are getting too much vitamin E. High levels usually happen from taking too many vitamin E supplements. Limitation: Without treatment, too much vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding, including bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Next step: If you have been taking vitamin E supplements, you will need to stop. If vitamin E has caused problems with bleeding, your provider may also prescribe medicines to treat you.
- 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
If you have been taking vitamin E supplements and have high levels, you will need to stop. If vitamin E has caused problems with bleeding, your provider may also prescribe medicines to treat you. You can usually treat vitamin E deficiency by taking vitamin supplements and treating any conditions that may be blocking absorption.
- 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
U.S. National Library of Medicine: vitamin_e_tocopherol_test