Vitamins E and C in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in men: the Physicians' Health Study II randomized controlled trial
Sesso HD, Buring JE, Christen WG, Kurth T, Belanger C, MacFadyen J, Bubes V, Manson JE, Glynn RJ, Gaziano JM
Published in JAMA, Vol. 300, pp. 2123-2133
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled factorial trial in 14,641 US male physicians aged 50+, testing 500 mg/day vitamin C and 400 IU alternate-day vitamin E over a mean 8 years of follow-up for major cardiovascular events.
Key Findings
There was no significant effect of vitamin C on major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular mortality over a mean 8 years, and 1245 major events occurred overall.
Conclusions
Long-term high-dose vitamin C supplementation did not reduce cardiovascular events in generally well-nourished men, arguing against systemic antioxidant benefit at the hard-outcome level.
Limitations
Male physicians only, generally well-nourished with adequate baseline vitamin C, so results may not extend to deficient populations.
Supplements Studied
Outcomes Measured
There also was no significant effect of vitamin C on major cardiovascular events.
Vitamin E provided no reduction in major cardiovascular events in long-term follow-up.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
National Institutes of Health (with donated agents from BASF and others)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.