Can You Take Vitamin C and Vitamin E Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E (alpha-tocopheroxyl radical back to alpha-tocopherol) at the membrane-aqueous interface. While generally synergistic, high-dose vitamin C without sufficient vitamin E may generate pro-oxidant tocopheroxyl radicals that damage membranes before being quenched.

How to arrange timing

When using high-dose vitamin C, ensure adequate vitamin E intake to maintain proper antioxidant cycling.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Buettner GR. The pecking order of free radicals and antioxidants. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1993;683:12-21

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.