Sep 10 (Reuters Health) - Women who take in less vitamin E may be at
greater risk of heart disease and stroke, even if they do not have other
risk factors, Italian researchers report.
Their study found that women with the greatest intake of vitamin E
had the least plaque at the 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, according to Dr. Paolo Rubba from Federico II
University in Naples, Italy, and colleagues.
The study is published in the September issue of the American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition.
Rubba and colleagues examined 310 women 30 to 69 years and measured
their blood levels of vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants. 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.
Women who reported consuming the most vitamin E-rich food had the
lowest build-up of plaque in their carotid bifurcation, the
investigators found. 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.
Similarly, those with low blood levels of vitamin E relative to
cholesterol were about twice as likely to have carotid plaques, the
report indicates.
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, meaning it
neutralizes the effects of cell-damaging molecules called free radicals
that may play a role in plaque formation. 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, the researchers conclude.
SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;76:582-587.
