Vitamin E & Vitamin C For Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. A number of factors contribute to heart disease including obesity, smoking and hypertension. Although heart disease can be hereditary, exercising and eating a healthy diet can help prevent heart disease. Some research shows that vitamins C and E may also help maintain a healthy heart.

Characteristics

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an anti-oxidant and plays a role in immune function, cell signaling, gene expression and metabolism. There are eight forms of naturally occurring vitamin E, though the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes the alpha form is the useful one for humans. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for tissue growth and repair. Similar to vitamin E, it acts an an antioxidant that blocks damage caused by free radicals in the body.

Sources

Vitamin E occurs naturally in a number of foods such as seeds, nuts and vegetable oils, including sunflower, wheatgerm and soy bean oil. It also is found in leafy greens and fortified cereals. MedlinePlus notes that vitamin C is found in all fruits and vegetables. However, the highest quantities are in green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes and leafy greens.

Role

A build up of free radicals in the body may contribute to the development of heart disease. Vitamins C and E are able to block some of the damage caused by free radicals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease and may also prevent the formation of blood clots leading to a thromboembolism. Vitamin C may protect the arteries from becoming blocked which in turn helps lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Efficacy

Clinical evidence supporting the role of vitamin C and E in heart health is mixed. A 1996 research article published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" showed that simultaneous use of vitamins C and E reduced coronary heart disease mortality. In contrast, 2002 research published in "The Lancet" found that patients with coronary disease or occlusive arterial disease who received 600 mg vitamin E, 250 mg vitamin C and 20 mg beta-carotene daily did not experience any significant reduction in the five-year mortality rate.

Considerations

According to American Family Physician, quantities of vitamins C and E that may help protect the heart are usually much higher than the amounts found in the diet. Although patients can supplement their diet with vitamin pills, the optimum dose of vitamin C and E needed for heart health is unknown. However, American Family Physician states that 400 IU of vitamin E once a day and 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day are reasonable.