Vitamin E
Likelihood in at-risk patientsLow
Likelihood of deficiency within an at-risk group, not the general population.
Evidence confidenceLow
Strength of the peer-reviewed evidence.
Food sources
Vegetable oils, Nuts and seeds, Leafy greens
Typical intake: 15 mg/day for most adults (19 mg/day while breastfeeding).
Upper limit: 1,000 mg/day (from supplements) for adults.
Dental & oral effects of deficiency
No well-established oral-specific sign of deficiency on file.
Associated with deficiency
- Peripheral neuropathy / ataxia: Nerve and muscle damage with impaired coordination; rare, mainly with chronic fat malabsorption.
Dental & oral effects of surplus / excess
Increased bleeding risk
High-dose vitamin E supplementation can impair platelet function and antagonize vitamin K–dependent clotting, raising bleeding risk during invasive dental procedures, relevant to disclose alongside anticoagulant history.
Sources
- Vitamin E: Health Professional Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2026.
- A Prescription for Change: Food as Medicine & the Vital Role of Nutrition in Patient Care. teethFirst. Continuing education course material, 2025.