A study was conducted to compare selected biochemical variables in 80 non-institutionalized retired citizens relative to supplemental vitamin E intake, sex and age. No low levels of either serum tocopherol or serum retinol existed in any of the subjects, whereas high levels were present in both the supplemental and non-supplemental vitamin E population. The supplemental vitamin E group had a significantly higher mean serum tocopherol level than the non-supplemental E group. In the subjects who took vitamin E supplements, positive correlations were observed between serum tocopherol and the parameters of total serum lipids, serum carotene and serum retinol and between serum retinol and total serum lipids. In the non-supplemental vitamin E subjects, serum tocopherol was related to total serum lipids. In both groups, mean levels of total serum lipids were higher in men than women, with a significant difference in the non-supplemental group. The younger age (58 to 70 years) group taking vitamin E supplements tended to have higher serum levels of tocopherol, total lipids and carotene than the older age (71 to 88 years) group.