Indication: Atherosclerosis & LDL oxidation

Source: Circulation, 2002 Sep 17;106(12):1453-9

Research: The study population consisted of men and women 40 years old and older with an LDL cholesterol level greater than or equal to 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) and no clinical signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Eligible participants were randomized to DL-alpha-tocopherol 400 IU per day or placebo and were followed every three months for an average of three years. The primary trial end point was the rate of change in the common carotid artery far-wall intima-media thickness (IMT) assessed by computer image-processed B-mode ultrasonograms. A mixed effects model using all determinations of IMT was used to test the hypothesis of treatment differences in IMT change rates.

Results: Compared with placebo, alpha-tocopherol supplementation significantly raised plasma vitamin E levels, reduced circulating oxidized LDL and reduced LDL oxidative susceptibility. However, vitamin E supplementation did not reduce the progression of IMT over a three-year period compared with subjects randomized to placebo. According to the study’s authors, the results are consistent with previous randomized controlled trials and extend the null results of vitamin E supplementation to the progression of IMT in healthy men and women at low risk for CVD.