Vitamin E With Beta-Carotene Supplements Articles & Resources

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) analyzed 15 major studies of nearly 220,000 people before coming to these conclusions. This is considered a large-scale study, which looked at high and low doses, at both sexes of all ages and at all causes of death--not just heart disease. Neither vitamin E nor beta-carotene reduced mortality; in fact, beta-carotene was found to increase cardiac risk for smokers.

It may be that in order to be effective, these antioxidant vitamins require certain compounds found in the whole foods that furnish them.

In the various studies analyzed by the CCF, the doses for vitamin E ranged from 50 to 800 International Units (IUs) daily. Beta-carotene doses ranged from 15 to S0 mg daily.

The overall death rate--whether from heart disease or any other cause--was the same for all groups, whether vitamin E was taken or not.

For those taking beta-carotene, however, the results were slightly worse. There was a small but significant increase in deaths--from all causes--in the groups taking beta-carotene.

John Hathcock, PhD, the vice president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)--a trade association representing dietary supplement suppliers and manufacturers--argues that this does not rule out a possible "primary benefit."

In other words, there may be no benefit from vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements for people already showing detectable cardiac symptoms--but these antioxidants could still provide protection if taken before atherosclerosis develops. Hathcock also stresses that the data indicates beta-carotene only raises the risk of death for those who smoke.

Antioxidant vitamins A and E may not provide cardiac protection but are linked with cancer risk reduction. Also, earlier studies indicated that folic acid and vitamins [.12] and [.6] help heart disease patients.