The effect of modest vitamin E supplementation on lipid peroxidation products and other cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients

Among many factors, elevated lipids and lipid peroxide levels in blood are major risk factors in the development of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. This study has examined whether oral supplementation of vitamin E, an antioxidant, has any effect on blood lipid peroxidation products (LP) and lipid profile of diabetic patients. Thirty-five diabetics(D) were supplemented with DL-alpha-tocopherol (E) capsule (orally, 100 IU/d) or placebo (P) for three months in double-blind clinical trials. Plasma E was analyzed by HPLC and LP by the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity; serum lipids by auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Vitamin E supplementation significantly lowered LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients; there were no differences in these parameters after P supplementation. There were no differences in the duration of diabetes and ages of D between P- and E- supplemented groups. This study suggests that vitamin E supplementation significantly lowers blood LP and lipid levels in diabetic patients.