title: A review of vitamins A, C, and E and their relationship to cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in the form of coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Research in the past 10 years links pathogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) modification to oxidation damage by free radicals. This review summarizes the major findings of CVD-related epidemiologic research and clinical trials conducted in the past 5 years on vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin supplementation behaviors are discussed. In prospective studies, the intake of vitamins A, C, and E has been correlated with lower mortality rates. When recent clinical trials and oxidation studies are analyzed, the weight of evidence suggests that 100-400 IU of daily vitamin E over 2 years or more may be most efficacious in reducing low-density lipoprotein oxidation and positively influencing mortality rates from CVD in primary care. Research also supports vitamin E supplementation in patients with known CAD or a history of transient ischemic attacks. Persons with diabetes or hypertension as well as smokers may benefit from supplemental vitamin C intake. Targeted antioxidant vitamin intake should be included in CVD risk assessment and primary preventive counseling efforts.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, College of Nursing, J. Hillis Miller Health Sciences Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goodman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D003376:Counseling; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid