Key Concepts
- α-Tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E in humans, known for its powerful antioxidant properties, and is widely used in numerous cosmetic products.
- When applied topically, vitamin E is minimally absorbed, and the tocopherol acetate found in cosmetics is not converted into active α-tocopherol within human skin.
- Vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare in developed countries, and high-dose supplementation does not provide cancer-protective effects; on the contrary, it may increase morbidity and mortality.
- Experimental use of tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) combined with Minoxidil has been shown to enhance Minoxidil absorption, although this combination is not yet commercially available.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that naturally occurs in eight different forms (α, β, γ, and δ tocopherols, and α, β, γ, and δ tocotrienols), each exhibiting distinct biological activity.
Vitamin E & Its Actions
α-Tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is a potent antioxidant that protects cells—especially the lipids in cell membranes—from free radicals and harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism. Vitamin E may offer protection against prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as improve microcirculation. Recent research highlights vitamin E’s role in regulating the expression of certain genes.
Topical Use of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the main ingredients in many over-the-counter (OTC) products aimed at combating skin aging. When applied topically, vitamin E distributes gradually within the skin, with the highest concentrations found in the deeper layers of the dermis and lower levels in the superficial layers. However, the overall absorption is minimal.
The specific form of vitamin E in topical formulations is important, as studies have shown that tocopherol acetate—a common form in many products—does not convert to the active α-tocopherol in human skin. Additionally, the carrier or delivery system plays a significant role; formulations using nanoparticles have demonstrated improved effectiveness.
Overall, the topical action of vitamin E in anti-aging has been inadequately studied, with limited human clinical trials. There is no evidence linking topical vitamin E to positive or other effects on androgenetic alopecia, except for in vitro findings where vitamin E inhibited Protein Kinase-C activity.
Studies from the mid-1980s on animals undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin did not show protection from hair loss with vitamin E supplementation, although later studies suggested contrasting results. A study by Hartman et al. involving 100 men receiving oral α-tocopherol long-term found a reduction in circulating androgens compared to controls.
Mοre recently, animal studies applying minoxidil combined with the vitamin E derivative tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) demonstrated that adding TPGS at a 2% concentration increased minoxidil absorption, while higher concentrations (>2%) reduced it.
Food Sources
Vegetable oils, primarily wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, almonds, cereals, as well as green leafy vegetables, are rich sources of vitamin E.
Requirements
For adult men, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E is 15 mg or 22 IU. This dosage refers to naturally derived α-tocopherol, which is the most active form of vitamin E. Unlike other vitamins, synthetic vitamin E, labeled as dl-α-tocopherol, is less potent and therefore higher amounts are required. The Adequate Intake (AI) is set at 12 mg, while the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 1,000 mg. The maximum tolerated daily dose for an adult male is established at 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) because vitamin E also acts as an anticoagulant, and high doses can cause bleeding disorders.
Vitamin E Deficiency and Toxicity
Vitamin E deficiency is very rare in developed countries and typically occurs only in cases of fat malabsorption.
The risk of vitamin E toxicity is low. Studies have shown that taking vitamin E at doses 35 times higher than the recommended amount for four months did not result in health problems. However, vitamin E levels (d-α-tocopherol) exceeding 800 mg have occasionally been associated with symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, mild gastrointestinal issues, palpitations, and transient increases in blood pressure. These symptoms are reversible upon discontinuation of vitamin E supplementation.
After oral administration, vitamin E accumulates in high concentrations in the sebaceous glands, especially on the face, and its secretion from these glands significantly contributes to the skin’s photoprotection.
However, according to an updated 2012 meta-analysis by Bjelakovic et al., conducted under the Cochrane Database and including 72 randomized trials with a total of 296,707 participants, chronic vitamin E supplementation increased mortality from 10.3% to 12.0% in both healthy individuals and patients suffering from various diseases (digestive, cardiovascular, neurological, ocular, dermatological, rheumatoid, renal, and endocrine disorders). Therefore, oral vitamin E intake is not without risks and should be approached with caution.
Summary:
Oral intake of vitamin E has no known effect on hair follicles or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and is associated with negative health impacts. The topical use of vitamin E as TPGS in combination with Minoxidil (MTS), which might be of interest, is not commercially available.
Source: Konstantinos Anastasakis MD, PhD, “Androgenetic Alopecia from A to Z”, Dietary Supplements and Androgenetic Alopecia, pp. 381-383, 2nd Edition, Zevelekakis Publications, Athens 2017.
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