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α-Tocopherol Supplementation for Men with Existing Coronary Artery Disease: A Feasibility Study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

α-Tocopherol Supplementation for Men with Existing Coronary Artery Disease: A Feasibility Study

Richard M Hoffman and Harinder S Garewal
Preventive medicine, Vol.29(2), pp.112-118
08/1999
DOI: 10.1006/pmed.1999.0509
PMID: 10446037

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Abstract

Background. Recent studies have suggested that α-tocopherol supplementation can help reduce the incidence of coronary disease. Our objectives were to determine the feasibility of providing α-tocopherol supplements to male veterans with existing coronary artery disease and determine its effects on α-tocopherol levels and the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation. Methods. Fifty-seven percent of 138 coronary disease patients were willing to participate in a placebo-controlled trial −25% were already taking antioxidants. Thirty-nine men were randomly assigned to either 400 mg/day of α-tocopherol (n = 27) or placebo (n = 12). α-Tocopherol levels and LDL oxidation (measured by formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Results. Thirty-three subjects (22 α-tocopherol, 11 placebo) completed the study; 3 subjects withdrew after suffering coronary disease events. Supplement compliance exceeded 90% and α-tocopherol was well tolerated. The α-tocopherol group had a significantly greater mean increase in lipid-adjusted α-tocopherol levels (73% vs. −4.6%, P < 0.0001), but oxidized LDL did not change significantly. Conclusions. A secondary prevention trial among veterans would be feasible because the rates of enrollment, completion, compliance, and clinical events were high. α-Tocopherol supplements did not decrease the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation, suggesting that higher dosages or longer duration of supplementation may be required for secondary prevention.
Oxidative Stress Preventive Medicine lipoproteins, LDL randomized controlled trials coronary arteriosclerosis vitamin E

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