The role of vitamin E in the prevention of coronary events and stroke. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Authors

• Abdullah H. Alkhenizan, Department of Family Medicine and Polyclinic, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (1) 4647272 Ext. 31860. Fax. +966 (1) 4280508. E-mail: alkhenizan{at}hotmail.com
• Mohammed A. Al-Omran, Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Vitamin E as an anti-oxidant vitamin, was suggested to have a role in the prevention of CVD. We did a meta-analysis, using the Cochrane Group Methodology, of all available randomized controlled trials RCTs to evaluate the role of vitamin E in the prevention of CVD. Nine studies met inclusion criteria, including 80,645 participants. Vitamin E supplementation was not associated with a reduction in total mortality or total CVD mortality, but it was associated with a small statistically significant reduction in non-fatal myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease. Prophylactic use of vitamin E in doses ranging between 50-800 IU was not associated with any increase in the incidence of serious side effects.

Article Type

Review

First Page

1808

Last Page

1814

Recommended Citation

Alkhenizan, Abdullah H. and Al-Omran, Mohammed A. (2004) "The role of vitamin E in the prevention of coronary events and stroke. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 12, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2703