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HeartCited

Vitamin E for Atherosclerosis

C

Strong mechanistic rationale (LDL oxidation inhibition) but large RCTs (HOPE, GISSI-Prevenzione) show no benefit. Meta-analysis suggests potential harm at >=400 IU/day. AHA does not recommend supplementation.

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            C

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
Strong mechanistic rationale (LDL oxidation inhibition) but large RCTs (HOPE, GISSI-Prevenzione) show no benefit. Meta-analysis suggests potential harm at >=400 IU/day. AHA does not recommend supplementation.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
15

        
Studies

    

    

        
50000

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↔
            
        
        
Mixed

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
note:

                        
High-dose supplementation no longer recommended based on clinical trial evidence

                    

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
15 mg/day (22.4 IU)

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: 1,000 mg/day (1,500 IU natural, 1,100 IU synthetic)
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals containing fat
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Increased bleeding risk at high doses
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Possible increased all-cause mortality at >=400 IU/day
                        
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  • 
                            ⚠
                            Increased heart failure hospitalization risk (HOPE/HOPE-TOO)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue at high doses
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
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                            ●
                            Anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk)
                        
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                            ●
                            Statins and niacin (may blunt HDL-raising effect)
                        
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                            Chemotherapy and radiation (theoretical interference with oxidative mechanisms)
                        
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                            ●
                            Vitamin K (may antagonize at high doses)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: 1,000 mg/day (1,500 IU natural, 1,100 IU synthetic)
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Vitamin E help with Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Based on 15 studies with 50,000 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Vitamin E may support Atherosclerosis management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Vitamin E should I take for Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is High-dose supplementation no longer recommended based on clinical trial evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Vitamin E?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Increased bleeding risk at high doses, Possible increased all-cause mortality at >=400 IU/day, Increased heart failure hospitalization risk (HOPE/HOPE-TOO), Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue at high doses. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Vitamin E and Atherosclerosis?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 15 peer-reviewed studies with 50,000 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.