Heart disease and vitamin E

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Vitamin E and heart disease

Overview

Heart disease and vitamin E

Alternative Names:

Vitamin E and heart disease
Information:

Eating foods rich in antioxidants (like vitamin E and vitamin C, carotenoids, and selenium) may lower your risk of heart disease. Such foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. According to studies, however, taking extra anti-oxidants in supplement (pill) form probably does NOT add any benefit.

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The current recommendation by the American Heart Association, therefore, is to make sure you include these important nutrients in your diet, but not to take supplements. Working with a dietitian can help, especially since some foods rich in vitamin E and selenium are high in fat.

Antioxidants, like vitamin E, protect cells in the body from oxidation. Oxidation is a process that can lead to cell damage and may play an important role in atherosclerosis -- the development of plaque in blood vessels that can lead to heart disease and stroke.