Antioxidants and Coronary Heart Disease

One of the most important antioxidants for good heart health is vitamin E. This vitamin prevents polyunsaturated fatty acids from being oxidized in the membranes. Vitamin E is incorporated into lipoproteins and all cell membranes that limit LDL oxidation. This vitamin also prevents activation of platelets and stickiness that causes the blood to stick to the walls of the arteries. Vitamin E is found in wheat germ, vegetable and seed oils and some in meats, fish, vegetables, and fruit. It is difficult to get 30 mg of vitamin E through a daily diet.

Vitamin C is another important antioxidant. It is a water-soluble vitamin that means that it must be taken in each day. Vitamin C is not stored in the body. All unused vitamin C is removed through urination. Taking vitamin C after a high-fat meal will reverse vasoconstriction after the meal. Sources for vitamin C include all citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and other green leafy vegetables. Cooking can destroy vitamin C so it is best if the body takes in this vitamin through raw foods or in vitamin supplements. Recommended dosages for vitamin C is 60 mg but more is recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, smokers, or someone healing from an injury.

Beta-carotene and its roll are still not clear. It will reduce LDL uptake, but will not prevent the original oxidation. Beta-carotene is found in yellow green vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. It is also found in dark-green leafy vegetables including broccoli and spinach.

Antioxidants have been linked to preventing Coronary Heart Disease. Drops in the risk of CHD were found in those people who were taking vitamin E and C supplements. Large amounts of beta-carotene are also associated with a reduced risk of CHD.

Studies of both men and women infer that maximum benefit of vitamin supplements were gained after one to two years of use. Clinical studies are showing that vitamin E supplementation of over 100 mg per day significantly lowered the rate of coronary heart disease problems. Vitamin C improves vascular activity and the regeneration of vitamin E and a reduced risk for CDH was found in a 10-year study of both men and women.

These key vitamins in preventing heart disease are considered to be safe with few side effects. Vitamin E supplements may cause a problem with patients who are taking anticoagulants. Care must be taken when adding vitamin E supplements to the diet. Vitamin C is normally nontoxic but too much can cause stomach-bloating, diarrhea, and may cause an increase in kidney stone problems.

Beta-carotene has few side effects. It can cause skin yellowing if a person takes more than 30 mg per day because the body is unable to absorb and convert it into vitamin E.

Vitamin A is toxic in large doses so care must be taken to not take more than the body needs. Other antioxidants may be found in flavonoids found in tea, wine, and some fruits and vegetables.

It is recommended that patients with CHD take vitamin E dosages of 400 mg a day and vitamin C of 500 to 1000 mgs a day for maximum benefit.