Vitamin E Blood Test - More Information

The vitamin E test, sometimes known as a vitamin E blood test, alpha tocopherol lab test or a vitamin E lab test, measures the vitamin E blood level.

Vitamin E consists of a class of molecules (fat soluble vitamins) that primarily function as antioxidants in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in the body and can be found in sunflower and safflower oil as well as wheat germ. This form of vitamin E functions as an antioxidant in helping stabilize cell membranes in the presence of oxidizing molecules. Vitamin E may also have a role in stabilizing plaque deposits in blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of subsequent heart attack or stroke. Vitamin E is also important for proper nerve function.

Low vitamin E levels can occur from poor absorption, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. Low vitamin E levels, or a vitamin E deficiency, can cause nerve problems and anemia. High levels of vitamin E (hypervitaminosis E) can cause increased bleeding, particularly when people are taking a medication known as warfarin.

To get a vitamin E test near you, simply order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics' lab that you selected. Once your vitamin E lab results are ready, they will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample vitamin E lab report above, vitamin E blood levels will be reported as numerical values of alpha-tocopherol and beta-gamma-tocopherol and can be compared against the reference ranges provided by the lab.

The vitamin E blood test is a component of the advanced vitamin panel and the comprehensive vitamin panel.