A study of 6,025 U.S. adults aged 60 and older found that blood levels of two forms of vitamin E were associated with different mortality risks, according to researchers.
The analysis tracked participants for an average of 12.1 years and examined alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, the two most common forms of the nutrient, the report stated.
Vitamin E is often discussed as a single nutrient, but it actually comes in several forms. Both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol are found in food, and researchers are exploring whether they have different relationships with health as people age [4].
Study Design and Participants
Researchers analyzed health data from 6,025 U.S. adults aged 60 and older as part of a national health survey conducted between 1999 and 2006. Participants had blood tests measuring their levels of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol [4].
To compare results, researchers divided participants into four groups based on their blood levels of each form of vitamin E, allowing them to compare people with the highest levels against those with the lowest. Researchers then tracked participants for an average of 12.1 years, recording deaths and their causes, the report stated [4].
The researchers also accounted for other factors that could influence the results, including cholesterol levels, lifestyle habits, and existing health conditions. The connection between nutrient shortfalls and long-term health has drawn increasing attention; a separate analysis identified gaps between typical dietary patterns and intake levels needed to support long-term health, with over 90% of Americans falling short on vitamin D [1].
Alpha-Tocopherol and Mortality Findings
The highest alpha-tocopherol group had a 16% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 35% lower risk of dying from cancer compared with the lowest group, according to the study. The association with cancer mortality was stronger among participants who had previously been diagnosed with cancer, researchers said.
The percentages describe differences in estimated risk between groups over the follow-up period and do not mean 16% or 35% of participants survived, the report stated. Researchers said that the study findings "offer a closer look at how nutrient levels may be connected to long-term health [4]."
Previous research has identified differences among vitamin E forms as well. Researchers at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center discovered that only one form of Vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, appeared beneficial in protecting against bladder cancer, while other forms such as gamma-tocopherol offered no such protection [2].
That work helps explain why some studies show vitamin E to be effective while others show the opposite: most studies make no differentiation between the forms of the vitamin and lump all vitamin E together [2].
Gamma-Tocopherol and Alzheimer's Mortality
Higher gamma-tocopherol blood levels initially appeared associated with a greater risk of death, but the association disappeared after researchers accounted for other health and lifestyle factors. There was one exception: participants in the highest gamma-tocopherol group had a 37% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer's disease compared with the lowest group, the study found [4].
The Alzheimer's finding adds to a body of research on vitamin E and cognitive function in older adults. Researchers said more research is needed to understand why the two forms of vitamin E were associated with different health outcomes and whether either one directly influences disease risk.
Limitations and Supplement Caution
Researchers measured existing blood levels of vitamin E and did not give participants supplements or test whether vitamin E could prevent disease or extend lifespan, according to the report. The researchers explained that blood levels of a nutrient can be influenced by several things, including diet, genetics, and how the body processes nutrients, so the associations do not prove that getting more vitamin E will lower disease risk [4].
For people considering a vitamin E supplement, the report recommends checking with a healthcare provider or natural health practitioner first [4].
Vitamin E can be obtained through foods including nuts, seeds, avocado, mango, kiwi, red bell peppers, turnip greens, butternut squash, salmon, and trout, according to the report. These foods provide other nutrients as well, making them useful additions to a varied, balanced diet.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, and fat-soluble vitamins are best absorbed by the body when eaten with foods high in fat [3].
The study adds to research on aging by examining associations between two forms of vitamin E and mortality, but it does not establish cause and effect, according to researchers.
Until it is known whether these associations translate into real health benefits, the report stated that people should consume vitamin E-rich foods and not mistake an interesting study for a reason to stock up on supplements.
References
- Study Identifies 10 Priority Nutrients for Healthy Aging, Details Intake Gaps. https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-05-14-study-identifies-priority-nutrients-for-heathy-aging.html
- Different forms of Vitamin E have varied heal - NaturalNews.com, May 20, 2004.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: What are the best dietary sources of vitamins A D E and K - NaturalNews.com, December 16, 2020.
- Over 6,000 Older Adults Reveal A Surprising Link Between Vitamin E & Longevity. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/over-6000-older-adults-reveal-surprising-link-between-vitamin-e-and-longevity
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