Last update
3/12/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate)
268 mg
1787%
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We investigated the impact of vitamin E on treating frequent and severe nocturnal leg cramps. Patients received 100 I.U. of d, alpha-tocopheryl acetate three times daily before meals.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
Read More
7
Vitamin E effective for leg cramps
We explored the effects of vitamin E on leg cramps through a controlled double-blind study involving 40 dialysis patients.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
Read More
7
Vitamin E shows limited effectiveness
We examined the effectiveness of various treatments for leg cramps, focusing particularly on vitamin E. While quinine has long been a go-to option, its use has significantly decreased due to safety concerns and mixed results in studies. Our review highlighted that although vitamin E might show potential benefits for leg cramps in patients on dialysis, the evidence is not robust across all populations. Therefore, we should consider other medications, like verapamil or gabapentin, before reverting to quinine.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Effective for cramps
2 people found this helpful
I took Vitamin E for leg cramps prior to knee surgery, and it worked well for me.
Read More
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
I've been taking one tablet daily in the morning, and my wife has mentioned that her menstrual cramps have improved since starting Vitamin E as well.
Read More
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
This product has helped lessen my daughter's menstrual cramps significantly and also improved her sleep.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
9
We investigated the impact of vitamin E on treating frequent and severe nocturnal leg cramps. Patients received 100 I.U. of d, alpha-tocopheryl acetate three times daily before meals.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
Read More
7
Vitamin E shows limited effectiveness
We examined the effectiveness of various treatments for leg cramps, focusing particularly on vitamin E. While quinine has long been a go-to option, its use has significantly decreased due to safety concerns and mixed results in studies. Our review highlighted that although vitamin E might show potential benefits for leg cramps in patients on dialysis, the evidence is not robust across all populations. Therefore, we should consider other medications, like verapamil or gabapentin, before reverting to quinine.
Read More
7
Vitamin E effective for leg cramps
We explored the effects of vitamin E on leg cramps through a controlled double-blind study involving 40 dialysis patients.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 5 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Effective for cramps
2 people found this helpful
I took Vitamin E for leg cramps prior to knee surgery, and it worked well for me.
Read More
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
I've been taking one tablet daily in the morning, and my wife has mentioned that her menstrual cramps have improved since starting Vitamin E as well.
Read More
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
This product has helped lessen my daughter's menstrual cramps significantly and also improved her sleep.
Read More
7.5
Eased symptoms
Since starting this, my menstrual cramps have eased significantly.
Read More
6
Better after supplements
2 people found this helpful
I take two tablets daily with Now Foods and 36 mg of iron. I previously had severe menstrual cramps, but I feel much better now. It seems best to wait at least eight hours after taking iron supplements for optimal absorption.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Effective for cramps
2 people found this helpful
I took Vitamin E for leg cramps prior to knee surgery, and it worked well for me.
7.5
Eased symptoms
Since starting this, my menstrual cramps have eased significantly.
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
I've been taking one tablet daily in the morning, and my wife has mentioned that her menstrual cramps have improved since starting Vitamin E as well.
7.5
Improved menstrual cramps
This product has helped lessen my daughter's menstrual cramps significantly and also improved her sleep.
6
Better after supplements
2 people found this helpful
I take two tablets daily with Now Foods and 36 mg of iron. I previously had severe menstrual cramps, but I feel much better now. It seems best to wait at least eight hours after taking iron supplements for optimal absorption.
7
Vitamin E effective for leg cramps
We explored the effects of vitamin E on leg cramps through a controlled double-blind study involving 40 dialysis patients.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
After a two-month placebo washout, participants were split into two groups receiving either quinine or vitamin E.
Both treatments significantly reduced the number of leg cramps. With average monthly cramps dropping to around 3.3 for vitamin E and 3.6 for quinine, the findings indicate both options were effective.
However, since quinine has potential side effects, vitamin E is recommended as the first-line treatment for leg cramps in this population.
9
We investigated the impact of vitamin E on treating frequent and severe nocturnal leg cramps. Patients received 100 I.U. of d, alpha-tocopheryl acetate three times daily before meals.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
Remarkably, nearly all participants reported prompt relief from their symptoms. This group included 24 patients with leg cramps and a couple with "restless legs" syndrome.
Given that nocturnal leg cramps can be distressing and treatments are often unsatisfactory, these findings are particularly noteworthy.
7
Vitamin E shows limited effectiveness
We examined the effectiveness of various treatments for leg cramps, focusing particularly on vitamin E. While quinine has long been a go-to option, its use has significantly decreased due to safety concerns and mixed results in studies. Our review highlighted that although vitamin E might show potential benefits for leg cramps in patients on dialysis, the evidence is not robust across all populations. Therefore, we should consider other medications, like verapamil or gabapentin, before reverting to quinine.
References
- Guay DR. Are there alternatives to the use of quinine to treat nocturnal leg cramps?. Consult Pharm. 2008;23:141. PubMed
- Roca AO, Jarjoura D, Blend D, Cugino A, Rutecki GW, et al. Dialysis leg cramps. Efficacy of quinine versus vitamin E. ASAIO J. 1992;38:M481. PubMed
- Ayres S, Mihan R. Leg cramps (systremma0 and "restless legs" syndrome. Response to vitamin E (tocopherol). Calif Med. 1969;111:87. PubMed
Data last updated:
