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Last verified: 9 days ago

Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Also known as: ascorbic acid, tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, L-ascorbic acid, antioxidant vitamins

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Two antioxidant vitamins that work together to reduce oxidative stress and support heart, skin, and metabolic health.

  • What it does

    Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants found in food and widely used as supplements. Together, they neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress — a process linked...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    Vitamin C: 500–1000 mg/day; Vitamin E: 200–400 IU/day based on study doses

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants found in food and widely used as supplements. Together, they neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress — a process linked to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cellular aging. Clinical trials show the combination can lower markers of oxidative damage (like MDA), support vascular function, reduce pelvic pain in endometriosis, and may lower the risk of metabolic liver disease when consumed regularly through diet.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't cure cancer or replace conventional cancer treatment. No proof they build muscle or boost athletic performance — high doses may actually blunt training adaptations. Not a standalone treatment for anxiety or sleep disorders. Vitamin C alone won't prevent kidney stones at normal doses. Don't expect dramatic skin whitening from supplements alone.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces blood markers of oxidative damage in people exposed to environmental or physiological stressors.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Vitamin C 1000 mg + Vitamin E 400 IU daily for 90 days

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 32191586 PMID 34122682 PMID 41740185

Reduces menstrual pain and pelvic discomfort in women with endometriosis.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Vitamin C 1000 mg + Vitamin E 400 IU daily

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 34122682

Improves blood vessel function and blood pressure control in young adults with high oxidative stress.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Acute antioxidant supplementation including Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41740185

Higher dietary intake of Vitamins C and E is linked to a lower risk of developing metabolic fatty liver disease.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: Dietary intake levels (not supplemental doses specified)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42163371

Higher intake of Vitamins C and E is associated with lower prevalence of kidney stones in US adults.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: Dietary intake levels (not supplemental doses specified)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41430982

Absorption & Bioavailability

Good — both vitamins are well-absorbed orally at standard doses. Vitamin C absorption decreases at very high doses (above 1g). Vitamin E is fat-soluble and absorbed better with dietary fat. Their combined use supports recycling of each other through redox cycling.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • High-dose antioxidant supplementation during exercise training may blunt muscle adaptation by interfering with beneficial ROS signaling
  • Vitamin C at very high doses (>2g/day) can cause gastrointestinal distress and may increase kidney stone risk in susceptible individuals
  • Most dramatic results in provided studies were in people with elevated oxidative stress (e.g., power plant workers, endometriosis patients) — healthy individuals may see little benefit
  • Animal studies (rooster fertility) should not be extrapolated directly to human reproductive outcomes
  • Combination therapy studies often include other agents (e.g., alpha-lipoic acid, melatonin, tranexamic acid), making it hard to isolate the effect of vitamins C and E alone

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vitamin C and Vitamin E do?

Two antioxidant vitamins that work together to reduce oxidative stress and support heart, skin, and metabolic health.

What is the effective dose of Vitamin C and Vitamin E?

Vitamin C: 500–1000 mg/day; Vitamin E: 200–400 IU/day based on study doses

Is Vitamin C and Vitamin E safe?

High-dose antioxidant supplementation during exercise training may blunt muscle adaptation by interfering with beneficial ROS signaling

What doesn't Vitamin C and Vitamin E do?

Won't cure cancer or replace conventional cancer treatment.

Research Sources

  • PubMed
  • NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25