Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E has been investigated for its potential role in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis (also known as atherosclerosis), primarily due to its antioxidant properties. The rationale is that oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a key step in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Vitamin E, as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, was hypothesized to inhibit this process and thereby slow or prevent arteriosclerosis.

Early epidemiological studies showed an association between higher vitamin E intake and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. This led to several large randomized controlled trials, such as the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study and the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) study, to test the effect of vitamin E supplementation. Most of these trials, however, failed to demonstrate significant benefit in reducing cardiovascular events or progression of arteriosclerosis in the general population. Some meta-analyses have even suggested a possible increase in all-cause mortality with high-dose vitamin E supplementation.

Therefore, while the use of vitamin E for arteriosclerosis was once supported by plausible mechanisms and observational data, the majority of well-conducted clinical trials have not shown clinically significant benefit. Current guidelines do not recommend vitamin E supplementation for the prevention or treatment of arteriosclerosis. The evidence supporting its use is limited and inconsistent, resulting in a low evidence rating.

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