Vitamin E

Also known as: tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl acid succinate, tocopheryl succinate.

Potential uses: Vitamin E is used to lower the risk of and treat heart disease and possibly reduce cancer risk. It is also used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, associated with treatments for breast cancer. Used as a cream or oil, vitamin E may be used to reduce the skin irritation caused by radiation.

Usual dose: 200 to 400 international units is the generally recommended daily requirement for women. The recommended dose depends on your diagnosis or condition.

Are there any risks? 400 international units or more per day of vitamin E is associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic strokes (strokes caused by a blood vessel rupture in the brain) over time.

What does the research show? Vitamin E does not appear to be effective for treating hot flashes in women who have had breast cancer.