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Vitamin E ingestion does not improve arterial endothelial dysfunction in older adults
L A Simons1, M von Konigsmark, J Simons
1University of New South Wales Lipid Research Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst NSW, Australia. exb0072@vmsuser.acsu.unsw.edu.au
Atherosclerosis
|April 20, 1999
Summary
Vitamin E supplementation did not improve age-related endothelial dysfunction in older adults. This study found no significant changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) after 10 weeks of vitamin E, suggesting it has no major impact on arterial endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction, linked to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, is an early atherogenesis event.
- Oxidized low-density lipoprotein may impair endothelial function.
- Vitamin E, an antioxidant, was investigated for its potential to enhance nitric oxide bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on arterial endothelial physiology in older adults with age-related endothelial dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study.
- 20 asymptomatic older subjects (45-70 years) received vitamin E (1000 IU/day) or placebo for 10 weeks.
- Endothelial function assessed via brachial ultrasound measuring flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilatation (FMD).
Main Results:
- Plasma alpha-tocopherol levels significantly increased with vitamin E (P < 0.001).
- No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, lipids, or F2alpha-isoprostanes.
- Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) did not differ significantly between vitamin E and placebo groups (2.7% vs 2.4%).
Conclusions:
- Medium-term vitamin E supplementation (1000 IU/day) does not significantly impact arterial endothelial function in individuals with pre-existing age-related endothelial dysfunction.
- Vitamin E did not alter markers of oxidative stress or endothelium-independent dilatation.