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

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