The Connection Between Vitamin E and Breast Cancer
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin found in eggs, leafy green veggies, whole grains, and plant oils. It’s sometimes taken as a supplement. Though there are different forms of vitamin E, only one — natural RRR-alpha-tocopherol — is considered active (meaning it can be used in the body right away). It’s absorbed two times more effectively than synthetic versions.
Some people use vitamin E for immune support and skin health. It’s also been researched for potential cancer prevention. Though some studies have shown that vitamin E may reduce the risk of certain cancers, breast cancer isn’t one of them.
Key takeaways:
Research on vitamin E hasn’t shown it can reduce breast cancer risk.
Some studies have shown an association between vitamin E consumption and a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Studies on vitamin E in breast cancer survivors have shown it modestly lowers hot flash frequency.
Research has also shown that vitamin E supplementation may prevent radiation dermatitis while in treatment for breast cancer.
The research on vitamin E
There have been many studies on the benefits of vitamin E, some of which focused on people with breast cancer.
Breast cancer risk reduction
A 2023 review found no significant association between vitamin E consumption (from food or supplements) and breast cancer risk.
However, one study did show a potential reduction in breast cancer recurrence risk — but this is only an association, not a clear cause and effect. And since some of the studies only looked at vitamin E from food sources, more research is needed to determine whether vitamin E supplementation is safe and beneficial for people with breast cancer.
Risk reduction for other cancers
There have been several studies looking at whether vitamin E supplementation may help reduce the risk of different cancers, but the results are inconsistent.
One large study found that long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol reduced prostate cancer incidence and mortality — but the study’s participants were all smokers, so more research is needed to confirm the findings.
On the other hand, a review of 14 trials found that supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, and selenium (alone or in combination) did not reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers and actually increased mortality.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy side effects
A small study on 108 people, including 40 women with breast cancer, found that topical cream containing nanoparticles with vitamin E may help prevent radiodermatitis (redness, swelling, and peeling after radiation therapy).
Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
In one study of 120 breast cancer survivors, participants who took vitamin E supplements had one fewer hot flash a day than those who took a placebo.
Certain breast cancer treatments, as well as menopause, can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. A small study on post-menopausal women with osteopenia suggests that taking 400 IU of vitamin E per day may reduce the risk of further bone loss. This is a very high dose and if you're interested in taking vitamin E to help prevent bone loss, it's important to talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.
Breast pain, cysts, and fibrosis
One study of 126 premenopausal women with cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) found that a combination of 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily and 400 mg of vitamin E once daily significantly reduced breast pain — but this is significantly higher than the recommended daily dose. The group taking only one of the two supplements also had some pain reduction, but the combination was most effective. However, none of the women in the study had breast cancer.
When it comes to benign breast disease — including breast cysts and fibrocystic breasts — studies have found no real benefit to vitamin E supplementation.
Alzheimer’s disease prevention
Some studies 1,2,3 have found that vitamin E may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but long-term use of vitamin E supplements do not seem to reduce the risk of dementia or slow down cognitive decline.
Safety, side effects, and drug interactions
Generally, experts recommend getting essential nutrients from food rather than dietary supplements, and most people get enough vitamin E if they eat a balanced diet.
When it comes to supplements, the recommended dose of vitamin E for adults is 15 mg daily, or 22 international units (IU).
Taking over 400 IU of vitamin E daily may increase all-cause mortality (death by any cause). In addition, toxicity can occur in people who take vitamin E doses greater than 800 IU over long terms. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, weakness, rash, and blood clots.
Drug interactions
Some studies have also found that vitamin E supplementation may increase the risk of stroke in people taking warfarin or other blood thinners.
Other medications and supplements that vitamin E may interact with include:
alkylating agents (like Cytoxan and thiotepa) and antitumor antibiotics
CYP3A4 substrates like omeprazole
statins and niacin
vitamin K
Always talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.
1. Foley DJ, White LR. Dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of Alzheimer disease: food for thought. JAMA 2002;287:3261-3.
2. Morris MC, et al. Dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease in a biracial community study. JAMA 2002;287:3230-7.
3. Sano M, et al. A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. N Eng J Med 1997;336:1216-22.