BMJ  2005;330 (5 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7490.0-f

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Vitamin E isn't helpful and may be harmful

Question In patients with or without heart disease, does vitamin E supplementation decrease mortality?

Synopsis The antioxidant property of vitamin E has led many to use it to prevent cardiovascular or cancer related mortality. However, several studies and several previous meta-analyses have shown either no benefit or a slight increase in mortality with its use. The authors of this study performed a literature search in the usual way, searching Medline, the Cochrane clinical trials database, and reference lists and files. They included 19 randomised studies of almost 136 000 patients, comparing vitamin E users with a control or placebo group for at least one year; trials included at least 10 deaths. Study participants varied and comprised elderly patients, healthy adults, and patients with cardiovascular disease. Study results were analysed by intention to treat. The method of data extraction was not explained, and studies were not graded or selected on the . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

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Ignoring data isn't helpful and may be harmful

P. David Mitchell
bmj.com, 4 Mar 2005 [Full text]

The truth about Vitamin E - Vitamin E is safer than implied

Neil E. Levin
bmj.com, 4 Mar 2005 [Full text]

"Comparing vitamin E users" proves nothing.

Barry Savage
bmj.com, 11 Mar 2005 [Full text]