Higher levels of Vitamin E is present in the immune cells compared with other cells in the blood. It is one of the most effective nutrients which can modulate immune functions. Vitamin E is a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant.

Studies have shown that deficiency of Vitamin E leads to an impairment of both humoral and cell-mediated immune functions. A limited number of studies have supported the fact that Vitamin E deficiency, though rare, impairs immune function. In a case report, Vitamin E deficiency resulted in the impaired delayed-type hypersensitivity and impaired ex vivo T-cell function evaluated by interleukin-2 production. A decrease in inflammatory cytokines and improvement in T-cell proliferation with Vitamin E supplementation was also seen.

Studies have also suggested that Vitamin E supplementation over the current dietary recommendations, increases the function of the immune system. Vitamin E supplementation is particularly beneficial in improving age-related destruction of immune and inflammatory responses. Vitamin E supplementation boosts innate and adaptive immune response. Several double-blind placebo-controlled trials have shown the efficacy of Vitamin E in improving T-cell-mediated functions in older adults. Supplementation of 800 IU/day Vitamin E for 1month to healthy older adults led to an improvement in in vivo and ex vivo indices of T-cell-mediated functions. Another

study supported the efficacy of 200 IU Vitamin E in augmenting T-cell function in older adults.

Study Source: Lewis ED, Meydani SN, Wu D. Regulatory role of vitamin E in the immune system and inflammation. IUBMB Life. 2019;71(4):487-94.