This week's NEJM article concludes that taking vitamin E pills does not reduce the risk of heart disease. People who took a daily vitamin E supplement for 4 to 6 years were no less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die from heart disease than people taking a sugar pill.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning that it counteracts oxidation -- a natural process associated with aging and disease -- including hardening of the arteries. In the current study, the researchers randomly assigned over 9,000 people aged 55 and older to receive either a supplement containing 400 international units of vitamin E or (an inactive) placebo pill. Everyone in the study had heart disease or diabetes and at least one other factor for a heart attack or stroke. After 4 to 6 years, the two groups fared equally as well. There was no significant difference in the number of people in each group who had a heart attack or stroke. Likewise, the number of people who died from cardiovascular causes, such as heart attacks and strokes, was similar in both groups.
The New England Journal of Medicine January 20,2000;342:154-160
COMMENT:
Although taking vitamin E supplements did not prevent heart attacks or strokes in the study participants, the researchers point out that the people in the study were all at high risk for heart disease. NEJM has published very strong supportive evidence more than five years ago that shows vitamin E will reduce the risk of heart disease by 80%. When there is a conflict in studies, it is wise to go with the non-toxic, less expensive approach. The study showed absolutely no toxicity to the vitamin E, as have most other studies. In my estimation, it continues to be a prudent course of action to take one vitamin E per day for anyone who is at high risk of heart disease. One possible cause for the finding is that the vitamin E was synthetic and therefore not as likely to be clinically useful. Also mixed tocopherols, such as the alpha, gamma and delta, may even be better. My current recommendation is Unique Vitamin E as it is a mixture of tocopherols that are all natural. However, there are many other excellent brands out there. I actually take a Vitamin E from Biotics Labs as the one from Unique does not test well for my body. Ideally, one should have an autonomic nervous system analysis to determine if a particular supplement will work out for the person.
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