Does vitamin E increase stroke risk?

Previous studies suggested taking vitamin E can protect the heart from coronary heart disease, but a BMJ study found that taking vitamin E could slightly increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke - bleeding in the brain. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in the UK

Researchers identified 9 studies with about 119,000 people randomised either to vitamin E or placebo on the outcome of stroke. They found that vitamin E increased the risk of haemorrhagic stroke by 22%, also found that vitamin E reduced the risk of ischaemic stroke by 10%. Given the small reduction in the risk of ischaemic stroke is exceeded by the incraese in the risk of haemorrhagic stroke, the researchers concluded that the widespread use of vitamin E should be avoided.

Critics say the findings are of small statistical significance, more research is needed to determine the level of Vitamin E that can become harmful. They "urge people to maintain a lifestyle of a balanced diet, regular exercise and monitoring their blood pressure to reduce their risk of a stroke."

Source: "Effects of vitamin E on stroke subtypes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials". BMJ 2010; 341:c5702 (Published 4 November 2010) free f/t.