Evaluating the Use of Vitamin E
Supplementation
Emily M. Ambizas, Danielle C. Ezzo, and
Maria Marzella Sulli, Department of Clinical Pharmacy
Practice, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Abstract: Objective: Vitamin E has
been thought to be beneficial in preventing diseases associated
with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and
cognitive impairment. Although there was a lack of published
trials supporting the use of vitamin E, by 1997 44% of
cardiologists reported routine use of antioxidants, specifically
vitamin E, and one in four adults reported taking vitamin E
supplements. Recently there has been much discussion on the
use of vitamin E and its potential negative effects. Current
studies fail to show any benefit from vitamin E supplementation in
the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer or reduction of
cognitive decline. There is evidence, however, that daily
administration of vitamin E increases the risk of heart failure
and/or death. The purpose of this project was
threefold. We assessed the use of vitamin E supplementation
among the general population and provided education to these
patients on the recent new findings about vitamin E. We then
evaluated what they will be doing about their vitamin E
usage.
Methods: Patients aged 18 years and
older were surveyed. Consent to participate was obtained
orally. Upon presenting for consultation with a pharmacist or
pharmacy intern, patients were asked about their vitamin E usage
and were provided with recent information regarding its use.
They were then asked what they planned to do with their current
vitamin E use.
Results: Currently, a total of 34
patients have completed the survey. Seventy-nine percent of
patients surveyed were female. Most patients were age
56-65. Sixteen percent of patients started taking vitamin E
within the last year. One-third of patients began
supplementing with vitamin E one to five years ago. Twelve
percent of patients have been taking vitamin E for more than 10
years. Thirty-five percent of patients are taking 400 I.U.; 2
patients are taking vitamin E in excess of 600 I.U. a day.
Almost 40% of patients did not know how much vitamin E they were
using a day. Most patients reported “thought it was good for
me” as their reason for use. Many patients believed it was
“good for my heart.” Most patients reported that it was
recommended by their doctors. When provided with the recent
findings concerning vitamin E use, a third of patients said they
would stop as compared to 44% of patients who were going to speak
with their doctor first. When asked who they talk to
regarding vitamin, mineral and supplement use, 91% of patients
stated their doctor, compared to 3% of patients who stated the
pharmacist.
Conclusions/Implications: Most
patients were not aware of the new findings concerning the use of
vitamin E. They were very receptive to the information, but
despite this, they were still more inclined to ask their doctor
first. Sadly, most patients reported that their doctor was
their primary source of information about vitamins, minerals and
supplements and only 1 person cited the pharmacist.
Pharmacists need to do more to educate patients about their
expertise in supplements.