Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that plays a role in helping many organs in your body function properly.
This vitamin is found naturally in foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. It’s also available as a supplement.
Vitamin E is sometimes used to treat a vitamin E deficiency, which is rare but can happen in people with certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, liver disease, pancreatitis, and Crohn’s disease. Sometimes, very low weight babies also need extra vitamin E.
Warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Vitamin E (Aqua-E)?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- anemia (low red blood cells);
- bleeding problems;
- liver or kidney disease;
- any allergies;
- an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa;
- a vitamin K deficiency;
- diabetes;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
- cancer;
- a stroke or blood clot; or
- surgery (recent or planned).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
How should I use Vitamin E
Use Vitamin E (Aqua-E) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Vitamin E works best if you take it with food.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.
If you need surgery or a medical procedure, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using vitamin E. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Vitamin E side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking vitamin E and call your doctor at once if you have:
- headache, dizziness, weakness;
- vision changes;
- diarrhea, stomach cramps; or
- easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- feeling tired;
- headache; or
- rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Vitamin E?
Avoid taking other vitamins, mineral supplements, or nutritional products without your doctor's advice.
What to Expect
Current research doesn’t support the regular use of vitamin E supplementation as a preventive vitamin or medication.
If you decide to take a vitamin E supplement, some experts recommend purchasing a product that contains eight key compounds, including four types of tocopherols and four types of tocotrienols.
Don’t take more than the recommended amount. Stop using the supplement and call your doctor if you notice any unusual side effects.
Additional Dosage Information
Most people get enough vitamin E from a well-balanced diet. The amount of vitamin E you need each day depends on your age.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides the following daily recommendations:
- Birth to 6 months 4 milligrams (mg)/day
- Infants 7–12 months 5 mg/day
- Children 1–3 years old 6 mg/day
- Children 4–8 years old 7 mg/day
- Children 9–13 years old 11 mg/day
- Teens 14–18 years old 15 mg/day
- Adults 15 mg/day
- Pregnant teens and women 15 mg/day
- Breastfeeding teens and women 19 mg/day
Secondary Uses
Researchers are studying the potential effects of vitamin E for the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Liver disease
- Eye disorders
At this time, medical evidence doesn’t support the role of vitamin E supplementation for the prevention or treatment of these conditions.