Vitamin E, Type 2 Diabetes and Reduced Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiovascular Death
3/1/2009
Vitamin E may be very beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes (DM) and the Haptoglobin 2-2 genotype (Hp2-2). People with type 2 diabetes and this genotype are 2 to 5 times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular events - heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death compared with other individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers believe that these people have higher levels of oxidative stress and benefit from the antioxidant effects of vitamin E.
Evaluating data from an earlier vitamin E study, researchers found that vitamin E supplements significantly reduced heart attacks and cardiovascular death by 43% and 55% in people with Hp2-2 and type 2 diabetes.
The study included 1,424 individuals (aged 55 and older) and was concluded after 18 months. The researchers found that 50% of the people recruited for the study with type 2 diabetes and tested for genotype, had the Hp2-2 genotype.
Milman and others. "Vitamin E Supplementation Reduces Cardiovascular Events in a Subgroup of Middle-Aged Individuals with Both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Haptoglobin 2-2 Genotype." Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol., 2008;28:341-347.