Is Vitamin E Supplement Could Really Increase the Risk of Heart Disease?

As I was reading an old copy of Reader's Digest a few days ago, I came across in the section which tackles antioxidant supplements. I always have known that antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, could protect us from cell damage. I have been on a Vitamin E 300 IU supplement for months now but switched into a higher dose of 400 IU, hoping of having a very good skin complexion and to maintain its youthful glow by helping the cells turn over faster. The more cells are renewed, the more it’ll reflect on the way the skin looks.

But the article had made me think twice. While it is currently a fad taking this supplement, the increase risk of heart disease in conjunction with this is really mind-blowing. One article proved that in general, a 40 IU of Vitamin E supplement is considered to be a normal dose. But a whooping 400 IU per day is considered to be "high dose" or "megadose"!

But, let me make it clear...the article talks about Vitamin E supplements. Thus, it advices the readers that if a person has a family history of any heart diseases, he/she should switch to a natural source of Vitamin E instead of supplements.

One study in another article have found out that patients with heart disease or diabetes who took 400 IU of vitamin E daily for an average of seven years were at a significantly increased risk of heart failure compared to patients who were not taking vitamin E supplements. This study concluded that high-dose vitamin E supplements (400 IU or greater) should not be taken by patients with heart disease or diabetes.

Vitamin E is naturally found in foods such as:

• vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, canola, and olive;
• seeds and nuts such as sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts;
• wheat germ; and
• some green leafy vegetables, although it is present in small amounts.

Therefore, better stick with what nature provides than purchasing any synthetic forms.

To maintain vitamin E levels of 22 IU of natural source (this is for people aged 14 years and above), it is important to eat a variety of antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of healthy unsaturated fats, (such as those found in fish, olive oil, canola oil, some vegetable oils, nuts, and flaxseed), as part of a healthy diet.