Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the health condition: Heart (weakness)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Vitamin E has been investigated for its potential role in supporting heart health, primarily due to its antioxidant properties, which could theoretically protect cells from oxidative damage implicated in cardiovascular disease. Early epidemiological studies in the 1990s suggested that higher vitamin E intake might be associated with reduced risk of heart disease, leading to widespread use of vitamin E supplements for cardiovascular protection. However, subsequent large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have not supported these initial findings. Notably, studies such as the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) and the Women's Health Study found no significant benefit of vitamin E supplementation in reducing major cardiovascular events or mortality in either healthy individuals or those with established heart disease. Some research has even suggested potential harm at high doses, with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Despite the lack of robust clinical evidence, vitamin E remains part of the conversation concerning heart health, largely due to its established antioxidant function and the persistence of early positive observational data in public perception. However, leading heart health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, do not recommend vitamin E supplementation for the prevention or treatment of heart disease. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale for its investigation, the overall quality and consistency of evidence supporting vitamin E for treating or preventing "heart weakness" (heart failure or general cardiovascular disease) is low, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5.

More about vitamin E
More about Heart (weakness)