Effect of vitamin E on cerebrovascular function: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Normal aging is associated with cerebrovascular function decline.
• Vitamin E possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit cerebrovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of vitamin E on cerebrovascular function.
• To evaluate vitamin E's impact in both pre-clinical and clinical populations.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across six major scientific databases.
• Keywords included 'vitamin E', 'tocopherol', 'cerebrovascular function', and related terms.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies evaluating vitamin E's effect on cerebrovascular function.

Main Results:

• No clinical studies met the inclusion criteria; analysis focused on ten pre-clinical studies.
• Pre-clinical models showed vitamin E improved cerebral blood flow, reduced intracranial pressure, and enhanced cerebrovascular responsiveness.
• Vitamin E supplementation delayed thrombus formation by reducing oxidative stress and improving endothelial function.

Conclusions:

• Pre-clinical evidence suggests vitamin E's antioxidant and anti-platelet effects may enhance cerebrovascular function.
• The lack of clinical studies limits the direct translation of findings to human populations.
• Further clinical trials in older adults are essential to ascertain vitamin E's role in preserving cerebrovascular function during aging.