Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

Low Vitamin E: What Does It Mean?

A low result can occur with inadequate intake, malabsorption, increased requirements or other clinical contexts; it does not identify the cause by itself.

Test summary

Test name: Vitamin E
Abbreviations: Alpha-tocopherol, Vitamin E
Category: Vitamins / Fat-Soluble
Panel: Micronutrient Evaluation
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mg/L, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

The Vitamin E test measures antioxidant status, neuromuscular function and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

Why is the test ordered?

Ordered when inadequate intake or absorption is suspected, in risk groups, or to assess supplement use; it is interpreted with related laboratory tests.

Information about a low result

A low result can occur with inadequate intake, malabsorption, increased requirements or other clinical contexts; it does not identify the cause by itself.

Information about a high result

A high result can occur with supplementation, high exposure or conditions that alter handling of the nutrient; it does not automatically mean toxicity.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Interpretation should consider method, supplements, diet, kidney/liver function and related biomarkers.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Family Medicine
Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Vitamin E blood testing, deficiency/excess and age-specific interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Selenium – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
U.S. government nutrition reference · 2025 · Serum/plasma selenium status and sufficiency context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026