The Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin E 400IU
Brand: The Vitamin Shoppe · Form: SOFTGEL CAPSULE [E0161]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant with specific, well-documented roles in immune function and cell protection. For the Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin E 400IU product, the core data on benefits and risks comes from established federal health sources. Our assessment is that while Vitamin E is essential, the benefit of supplementing at 400 IU daily is not clearly supported for the general population, and there are important safety considerations to review [NIH ODS] [NIH DSLD].
How it works
Think of Vitamin E as a cellular bodyguard. It works primarily as an antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm cell membranes, DNA, and other parts of your cells [NIH ODS]. This protection is critical for maintaining healthy immune function and supporting the health of your eyes and skin. The RDA for Vitamin E for adults is 15 mg (22.4 IU) daily, so a 400 IU supplement is significantly higher than the recommended dietary intake [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Safety data is critical here. The FDA received 694 adverse event reports for Vitamin E supplements. Side effects reported include nausea and diarrhea at high doses [FDA data]. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes that high-dose Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/day or more) has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and may increase all-cause mortality in some study populations [NIH ODS]. You should avoid taking this supplement if you are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding [NIH DSLD].
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to proceed with caution. For most people, getting Vitamin E from food sources like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils is the safest and most effective approach. If you are considering the Vitamin Shoppe Vitamin E 400IU, we advise you to first discuss it with your healthcare provider, especially given the potential risks at this dose. Data on the specific benefits of this dose for general health is not available, and the safety concerns are significant [NIH ODS] [FDA data].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | The Vitamin Shoppe |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 240.0 Softgel(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide