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Vitamin E protects the heart

Several new studies identified higher doses of vitamin E protected against heart disease in those with high cholesterol; type 2 diabetes who took vitamin E had fewer heart attacks and strokes; and vitamin E reduced DNA damage in adults.

In a high cholesterol study, doctors noted that earlier vitamin E studies were poorly designed, using only one dose and measuring a single result, such as heart attack. In a new trail, 35 participants took 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 IU of vitamin E per day for 16 weeks, Scientist measured F2 isoprostanes- a sign of damaged fat cells and a risk factor for heart disease. As the dose of vitamin E increased, levels of F2 isoprostanes decreased.

In a diabetes study, researchers recruited 1,434 type 2 diabetics aged 55 or older who, due to having a weak antioxidant gene (Haptoglobin2-2), were more likely than diabetics to go blind or have heart or kidney disease. Participants took 400IU of vitamin E per day or a placebo for 18 months. Compared to placebo, those who took Vitamin E were 53% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke or to die from heart disease, a result so significant that researchers stopped the multi-year trail early. In a DNA study, doctors suggested that free radicals or toxic molecules are the leading cause of physical aging. Researchers recruited 64 men and women ages 37 to 78 to take 160mg of Vitamin E (tocotrienol) per day or a placebo for six months. After three and six months, compared to placebo, the Vitamin E group had significantly less DNA damage. Doctors said Vitamin E helped neutralize free radicals, allowing cells to repair themselves.

Reference: Free Radicals Biology and Medicine : November 15 2007

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