Q: The latest Consumer Reports states "…there is no reason to take vitamin E supplements to prevent disease." Also, "avoid taking vitamin E if you take anti-clotting drugs, such as daily low-dose aspirin…." What are your thoughts on this report?
A: Those studies looked at people who were in high-risk groups (those taking statins and other cholesterol-management drugs). But it's been known for five years that vitamins E and C inhibit the anti-inflammatory component of statins (statins are drugs like Mevacor, Lipitor, Crestor, Prevachol that help manage cholesterol) function—and thus increase the risk to people who are taking statins. These current studies don't change our recommendations for vitamin E (with vitamin C) in non-statin users. If you are taking a statin, avoid doses of vitamins E and C greater than 100 IU and 100 mg a day, respectively. And if you aren't taking a statin and decide to take vitamin E, make sure you take vitamin C also (it appears vitamins C and E are both needed for either's arterial benefit).
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