Is there a vitamin E paradox?
In addition to epidemiologic studies that suggest a benefit for high intakes of alpha-tocopherol, studies of supplementation in humans have clearly shown that alpha-tocopherol decreases lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, and functions as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In the five large prospective clinical trials with alpha-tocopherol therapy, four have shown a beneficial effect on cardiovascular end-points (two studies on a primary end-point and two studies on other cardiovascular end-points). Thus, the totality of evidence based on the epidemiologic data, in-vitro studies and animal models, and the clinical trials appears to support a benefit for alpha-tocopherol supplementation in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. However, definitive recommendations must await ongoing clinical trials.
Jialal
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I
Center for Human Nutrition and Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Human Metabolism, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-9073, USA. jialal.i@pathology.swmed.edu
Traber
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M
Devaraj
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S
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014810:Vitamin E