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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Erin L. Abner, MA, MPH, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 121 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY 40536, 859*533*9778, elabne0@uky.edu

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E is commonly used as a supplement to reduce the risk of a variety of age-related diseases. Randomized, controlled trials have evaluated its efficacy and safety. Recent meta-analyses have suggested the possibility of an increased risk of all-cause mortality with doses at or above 400 IU per day. PURPOSE: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials to better inform our understanding of moderate doses of vitamin E and the risk of mortality. DATA SOURCES: Searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library for articles published between 1945 through the present. Search terms were “vitamin E,” “antioxidants,” “alpha-tocopherol,” “randomized controlled trial,” and “clinical trial.” STUDY SELECTION: Eighty-four randomized, controlled trials were identified; of these, 45 had at least 12 months of follow-up; of these, 13 utilized moderate doses (400 IU-660 IU). DATA EXTRACTION: The author extracted information from each study on number of patients, study design, and mortality outcomes. Meta-analytic results from studies in the moderate range will be presented.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to

• Assess the safety of supplemental vitamin E
• Describe the arguments against taking supplemental vitamin E
• Evaluate the risk associated with specific doses of supplemental vitamin E

Keywords: Mortality, Vitamins

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered