Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin E

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Food Safety
• Toxicology

Background:

• The European Commission requested a review of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E.
• Alpha-tocopherol is the only essential form of vitamin E.
• Previous ULs were established by the Scientific Committee on Food.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).
• To assess adverse health effects of excess vitamin E intake, including impaired coagulation, bleeding, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature reviews were conducted.
• The critical effect for establishing the UL was identified as impaired blood clotting and associated bleeding risk.
• No new dose-response data were available to refine the UL.

Main Results:

• Existing ULs for vitamin E were retained for all population groups.
• Specific ULs were set for infants (50 mg/day for 4-6 months, 60 mg/day for 7-11 months).
• ULs apply to all alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers but exclude individuals on anticoagulants or with vitamin K malabsorption.

Conclusions:

• Existing tolerable upper intake levels for vitamin E are maintained.
• Vitamin E intake exceeding ULs is unlikely in European populations, except for high-dose supplement users.
• The established ULs are based on the risk of impaired blood coagulation and bleeding.