Antioxidant effects of vitamin E and risk of cardiovascular disease in women with obesity - A narrative review

Clin Nutr. 2022 Jul;41(7):1557-1565. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.04.032. Epub 2022 May 6.

Abstract

Proper dietary habits are a vital element of cardiovascular (CV) treatment, and - according to the current guidelines - a diet rich in antioxidants is generally recommended. It remains, however, inconclusive whether antioxidant nutrients should be supplemented for CV health, and if so, in which form and dosage. Currently available data suggest that vitamin E may be essential in preventing CVD, especially in coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis - nevertheless, vitamin E supplementation may be questionable and may even be associated with adverse outcomes. Further, current studies highlight a strong need for identifying sex-specific strategies, which could improve guidelines for both the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It should also be emphasized that understanding the role of genetic variants in genes involved in VE metabolism may also be crucial for more precise nutritional recommendations for patients suffering from CVD. Therefore, we summarize the current knowledge regarding vitamin E antioxidant properties, which could be essential from CV perspective, and aim to assess whether vitamin E supplementation can be beneficial in CV prevention, especially in the high-risk group of women with obesity.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Cardiovascular diseases; Obesity; Oxidative stress; Vitamin E.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin E