Vitamin E blood test in Chiswick
Measures vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in your blood. Most often booked when a condition affecting fat absorption, a very low-fat diet or nerve symptoms such as poor balance raise the question of low vitamin E.
What the test measures
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds that act as antioxidants, helping protect cell membranes from damage. The main form in human blood is alpha-tocopherol, which is what this test measures. It is found in plant oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables, and a varied diet usually provides enough.
Deficiency is rare and usually happens when fat cannot be absorbed properly, for example with cystic fibrosis, long-term liver or pancreatic problems, some bowel conditions or after certain operations. Over time, low vitamin E can affect nerves and muscles, causing problems with balance, coordination or sensation. Because vitamin E travels in the blood with fats, the laboratory result can be influenced by your cholesterol level. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- You have a condition that affects fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease or a pancreatic condition.
- You have had bowel or weight-loss surgery and want to check fat-soluble vitamin levels.
- You follow a very low-fat diet for a long period.
- You have unexplained changes in balance, coordination or sensation and want to explore possible nutritional causes.
- You take vitamin E supplements and want to know where your level sits.
Understanding your result
Your report shows your alpha-tocopherol level with the laboratory reference range. A low level points towards poor absorption or low intake, and your practitioner may suggest checking other fat-soluble vitamins, such as A and D, at the same time. Because levels rise and fall with blood fats, a result is sometimes interpreted alongside your cholesterol.
Raised levels are usually linked to supplements. High doses can affect blood clotting, so this matters if you take blood-thinning medicines. A result outside the range is something to talk through with your practitioner, not a diagnosis in itself.
Preparing for your test
A fasting sample is often preferred for vitamin E because blood fats change after meals, and we will confirm whether you need to fast when you book. Please tell us about vitamin E or multivitamin supplements and any blood-thinning medicines you take.
Since vitamin E is often checked with other fat-soluble vitamins, you might also consider the vitamin D test or a cholesterol test to help interpret the result. Our hub page shows every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is a vitamin E blood test in Chiswick?
A vitamin E blood test costs £179 at Omnia. The price includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report if requested.
Who is most likely to be low in vitamin E?
People who cannot absorb fat well, for example because of cystic fibrosis, long-term pancreatic or liver conditions or some types of surgery. Deficiency from diet alone is uncommon in the UK.
Why does my cholesterol matter for this test?
Vitamin E is carried in the blood with fats, so a person with high cholesterol can show a higher vitamin E level without having more stored in their tissues. Your practitioner takes this into account.
Should I take vitamin E supplements?
Most people get enough from food. High-dose supplements are not recommended without a reason, particularly if you take medicines that affect clotting, so discuss your result before starting any.
