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Risk of mortality with vitamin E supplements: the Cache County study
Kathleen M Hayden1, Kathleen A Welsh-Bohmer, Heidi J Wengreen
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. khayden@duke.edu
The American Journal of Medicine
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Vitamin E use showed no overall mortality risk in older adults. However, it increased mortality in those with severe cardiovascular disease, while potentially offering protection to others.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Previous meta-analyses indicated increased mortality associated with high-dose vitamin E in clinical trials.
- Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of vitamin E, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin E supplementation and mortality risk in an elderly population.
- To determine if cardiovascular disease status modifies the mortality risk associated with vitamin E use.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study of individuals aged 65 years and older.
- Baseline data collected included self-reported cardiovascular history and supplement/medication use.
- Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyze the relationship between vitamin E intake and mortality.
Main Results:
- Overall, vitamin E use was not associated with increased mortality after adjusting for age and sex (aHR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.74-1.15).
- Mortality risk was elevated in vitamin E users with a history of stroke, coronary bypass graft surgery, or myocardial infarction.
- Increased mortality was also observed in vitamin E users taking nitrates, warfarin, or diuretics.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E use was not linked to overall mortality in this elderly population.
- The findings suggest a complex interaction, with increased mortality in those with severe cardiovascular disease and a potential protective effect in those without.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the nuanced effects of vitamin E in different cardiovascular health contexts.
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