Studies show benefits of vitamin E
Latest indicates it may have some anti-aging effects
May 28, 1996
Web posted at: 12:30 a.m. EDTFrom Medical Correspondent Jeff Levine
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A new study shows that vitamin E may have some anti-aging effects by preventing damage to key proteins in the blood and brain tissue.
In the study, Dr. Marguerite Kay of the University of Arizona looked at middle-aged and older mice, dividing them into groups that got either high levels of vitamin E in their diet or large doses of beta-carotene -- vitamin A.
Other mice got standard amounts of the nutrients.
After seven months, Kay noted a significant difference in the mice getting the high dose of vitamin E. The treatment prevented damage to certain proteins in blood and brain tissue associated with aging.
"The vitamin E prevented the occurrence of the aged protein and kept the brain of the old mice like that of the young mice," Kay said.
While this is just an animal study, it is another tantalizing suggestion about the potential power of vitamin E. Earlier this month, English scientists showed vitamin E could reduce heart attacks dramatically among those with existing heart disease, compared with those who were not taking the supplements.
Other research shows vitamin E may slow the buildup of artery-clogging plaque.
Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant, acting against the natural damage caused to the body by oxygen-related chemicals. But that doesn't mean people should load up on the substance.
"The researchers have not even shown that vitamin E prolongs life in mice," said Bonnie Liebman of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "So, it is a far cry from the kind of research that people can use when they go to the drugstore and decide whether to buy vitamins."
And overdoing vitamin E, present in fatty foods like mayonnaise, oils and nuts, could cause other problems.
No one claims that vitamin E can actually stop aging, but with further study, it may turn out to be a way of slowing nature's clock.
Related sites:
Feedback
Send us your comments.
Selected responses are posted daily.
![[Imagemap]](/HEALTH/images/9601/navbar.gif)
| CONTENTS | SEARCH | CNN HOME PAGE | MAIN FOOD & HEALTH PAGE |
Copyright © 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
