[Antioxidant vitamins in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E].

The hypothesis that antioxidant vitamins may reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases has been the subject of considerable research attention in recent years. Basic research studies have provided evidence of possible mechanisms for an effect of antioxidants on atherosclerosis, and several epidemiological studies have suggested that risk of coronary heart disease may be 20-40% lower among those with high dietary intake and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, especially of vitamin E. However, large-scale randomized trial haven not supported a benefit of high doses of vitamin E supplementation among a general, well-nourished population.