Women with the greatest vitamin E intake had the least complications at the carotid bifurcation -- a Y-shaped branch in the arteries in the neck where plaque build-up usually begins. This build-up, known as atherosclerosis, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The findings suggest that vitamin E -- found in nuts, olive oil and some vegetables -- may provide protection against the early stages of plaque build-up.

What are the risks for women with low vitamin E levels?

Among postmenopausal women, those who consumed the least vitamin E were nearly three times more likely to have arterial plaque regardless of other heart disease risk factors. Those with low blood levels of vitamin E relative to cholesterol were about twice as likely to have carotid plaques.

How does vitamin E work?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it neutralizes the effects of cell-damaging molecules called free radicals that may play a role in plaque formation. However, the study found no association between other antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and beta-carotene and arterial plaque.

What did the study find?

Low intakes and low blood concentrations of vitamin E are associated with early hardening of the carotid arteries. The evidence of detectable arterial damage in the subjects in the lowest level of vitamin E intake and blood concentrations indicates that only individuals with an inadequate intake or a low plasma concentration of vitamin E are expected to benefit from an increase of vitamin E intake, either through dietary changes or supplementation.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition September 2002;76:582-587

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This study provides further reassurance that there may be very limited benefit in taking vitamin E supplements if you are already consuming a healthy diet. The researchers could not identify a benefit in this study with vitamin E supplementation if the person was already consuming adequate levels of vitamin E. In conjunction with the study posted in the last newsletter, it seems that a serious re-evaluation of the wisdom of consuming daily vitamin E for everyone is merited. It's virtually impossible to obtain 400 units of vitamin E in a regular diet, but obtaining the amount of vitamin C consumed in this study, 500 mg, from foods is relatively easy to do. I previously have felt that vitamin E is probably one vitamin that nearly everyone would benefit from taking. This study would suggest that it might not be necessary to take the vitamin E if you are consuming large amounts of vegetables. There are likely other benefits of vitamin E, but I am carefully reevaluating my position of taking a daily vitamin E supplement and may eventually phase it out of my personal program. Related Articles: Vitamin E May Reduce Heart Disease in Diabetics Vitamin E Improves Circulation in Diabetics Vitamin E-Who Are You Going to Believe? Vitamin C Levels and Vegetables May Lower Stroke Risk