Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)
This test measures the amount of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found in your blood. Vitamin E helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
["Vitamin E helps protect cells and supports immune health—low levels may indicate nutritional deficiencies or health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46359-6
- Short code
- MRA SM ves
- Synonyms
- MRA SM ves
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, nerve problems, or signs of vitamin deficiency. It may also be checked in people with certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption issues or long-term fat malabsorption (e.g., from pancreatic disorders).
What Does a Low Level Mean?
Low vitamin E levels might suggest poor absorption of fats (which carry vitamin E) or conditions that deplete the body’s stores, such as certain liver diseases or chronic pancreatitis.
What If Results Are High?
Elevated vitamin E levels are less common but could occur with certain genetic disorders or overuse of supplements. Your provider will discuss findings in context with your health.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where vitamin E is measured using a specialized technique to determine its concentration in your blood.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Vitamin E Level
Frequently asked questions
Vitamin E is essential for maintaining cell membranes, supporting immune function, and acting as an antioxidant. Deficiencies can lead to oxidative stress, nerve damage, or weakened immunity, especially in people with digestive disorders or malabsorption syndromes.
If your results are low, your healthcare provider may recommend dietary changes (e.g., more nuts, seeds, or vegetable oils), supplements (if approved), or further testing to identify the cause (e.g., pancreatic function tests).
Frequency depends on your health status. If you have a known deficiency or risk factors (like chronic pancreatitis), your provider may suggest monitoring every few months. Otherwise, this test is usually done only when needed.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy