Vitamin E and cardiovascular disease

Abstract: The evidence surrounding the relationship between vitamin E and cardiovascular disease is confusing. Much of the early clinical work on vitamin E in angina and intermittent claudication is hampered by poor methodology and extravagant claims. However, recent in vitro studies are beginning to provide indisputable evidence of a physiological link. Atherogenesis appears to start with the oxidation of low density lipoproteins by free radicals in the artery wall. In animals, alteration of that oxidative process by antioxidants such as vitamin E has been shown to slow the development and progression of atherosclerosis.In addition, epidemiological studies have shown that decreased antioxidant protection in the form of low plasma vitamin E concentrations increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Consequently, it has been suggested that a diet rich in vitamin E may be appropriate for populations with a high incidence of coronary heart disease. Further work is needed to confirm this.

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