Does vitamin E prevent heart disease?

Recent research indicates vitamin E may help protect against heart disease. But experts are still divided on the issue.

How does vitamin E protect against heart disease?
Vitamin E has been shown to prevent damage to LDL cholesterol, the 'bad' cholesterol involved in the artery-blocking process which causes heart disease. This damage is known as oxidation and is a key step in the artery-blocking process.

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and appears to work in association with other anti-oxidants. These include vitamin C, vitamin A (or carotene) and certain compounds in tea and red wine.

Vitamin E may also limit the damage caused in response to shortage of tissue oxygen during a heart attack.

Where is vitamin E found?
The major source of vitamin E in the Australian diet is polyunsaturated margarine, oils, and nuts. Sunflower oil, almonds and wheat germ are also particularly rich sources.

Other anti-oxidants are found in cereals, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables, particularly green vegetables such as broccoli.

Can we get enough vitamin E from food to protect against heart disease?
The experts are divided on this. Some believe vitamin E supplements are needed. Others are not convinced. The answer should be known in a few years when the results of ongoing prevention trials overseas become available.

What is the Heart Foundation's view?
The Heart Foundation is also waiting for more evidence before deciding whether to recommend vitamin E supplementation for the treatment or prevention of heart disease.
May 1995/IS-312