Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Can Vitamin C & E Supplements Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men?

by Hannah Punitha on November 10, 2008 at 5:57 PM
 Can  Vitamin C & E Supplements Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men?

A new study has revealed that neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplements reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.

Previous studies have suggested that vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants reduce cardiovascular disease by trapping organic free radicals, by deactivating excited oxygen molecules, or both, to prevent tissue damage.

Advertisement

In this study, known as the Physicians' Health Study II, Howard D. Sesso, Sc.D, M.P.H., and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, assessed the effects of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements on the risk of major cardiovascular disease events among 14,641 male physicians.

These physicians were 50 years or older and at low risk of cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study in 1997, and 754 (5.1 percent) had prevalent cardiovascular disease. The study participants were randomized to receive 400 IU of vitamin E every other day or a placebo and 500 mg of vitamin C daily or a placebo.
Advertisement

During a mean (average) follow-up of 8 years, there were 1,245 confirmed major cardiovascular events, the researchers report.

There were 511 total myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), 464 total strokes, and 509 cardiovascular deaths, with some men experiencing multiple events.

A total of 1,661 men died during follow-up. Compared with placebo, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had an effect on the prevention of major cardiovascular events.

Neither vitamin E nor vitamin C had a significant effect on total mortality, but vitamin E was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, the researchers said.

"In this large, long-term trial of male physicians, neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. These data provide no support for the use of these supplements for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older men," they added.

The study is published in the November 12 issue of JAMA.

Source: ANI
SPH
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Heart Disease News

Smart Watch Helps Detect Irregular Heart Rhythm
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm) can be accurately diagnosed with Verily Study Watch, the FDA-approved wrist-worn gadget.
Red Flags in Red Cells — Decoding Their Threat on Heart Health!
According to health experts, an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots is associated with higher hemoglobin levels.
Atherosclerosis in Young Adults Curbed by Early Risk Factor Management
Early cardiac evaluation reverses atherosclerosis caused by cardiac risk factors like high BP and high cholesterol in young adults.
Summer Wildfires and Winter Air Pollution Pose Varied Heart Health Risks
PM2.5 increases during winter inversions are associated with higher heart attack risk, stated study.
Genetic Testing Identifies High Cholesterol Risk, Preventing Heart Events
The study underscores the significance of broader genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high bad cholesterol levels.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Can Vitamin C & E Supplements Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men? Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests