title: The role of vitamin E in the prevention of coronary events and stroke. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Vitamin E as an anti-oxidant vitamin, was suggested to have a role in the prevention of CVD.   We did a meta-analysis, using the Cochrane Group Methodology, of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the role of vitamin E in the prevention of CVD.  Nine studies met inclusion criteria, including 80,645 participants.  Vitamin E supplementation was not associated with a reduction in total mortality or total CVD mortality, but it was associated with a small statistically significant reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease.  Prophylactic use of vitamin E in doses ranging between 50-800 IU was not associated with any increase in the incidence of serious side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Polyclinic, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (1) 4647272 Ext. 31860.  Fax. +966 (1) 4280508.  E-mail: alkhenizan@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Abdullah H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Alkhenizan
authors.forename: Mohammed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Al-Omran