Low vitamin E intake a risk factor for heart disease

A recent study reported that women who take in less vitamin E may be at a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, even if they do not have other risk factors. A population-based study on the etiology of cardiovascular disease and cancer in women was carried out by researchers at the Federico II University in Naples, Italy. 310 women, 30 to 69 years of age were examined and their blood levels of vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants were measured. They also interviewed the study participants about their medical history, drug use and personal habits, and the frequency with which they consumed various foods. Women were then divided into three groups according to their intake of vitamin E-rich foods. None of the women were taking vitamin supplements. The study found that women who reported consuming the most vitamin E-rich food had the lowest build-up of plaque in their carotid bifurcation (a Y-shaped branch in the arteries in the neck where plaque build-up usually begins). This build-up, known as atherosclerosis, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The findings suggest that vitamin E found in nuts, olive oil and some vegetables may provide protection against the early stages of plaque build-up. Among postmenopausal women, those who consumed the least vitamin E were nearly three times more likely to have arterial plaque regardless of age, smoking habits, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and other heart disease risk factors. Also, those with low blood levels of vitamin E relative to cholesterol were about twice as likely to have carotid plaques. While the findings suggest an association between vitamin E intake and arterial plaque, it is still unclear exactly how vitamin E might prevent plaque build-up. Vitamin E is an antioxidant i.e. it neutralizes the effects of cell-damaging molecules called free radicals that may play a role in plaque formation. It may help keep arteries clear in women. An inverse association was found between both the intake amount and plasma concentration of vitamin E and atherosclerosis in middle-aged women. This association was independent of other cardiovascular risk factors and supports the fact that low vitamin E intake is a risk factor for early heart diseases. However, the study found no association between other antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and beta-carotene and arterial plaque. More research is needed into vitamin E's potential plaque-fighting mechanisms.