SearchDictionaryMobileLogin

High doses of vitamin E in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system in the aged.

AbstractOxidative stress is a putative factor in the pathogenesis of many human disorders of the central nervous system. Therefore, antioxidants such as vitamin E have become attractive as therapeutic agents in the treatment of several diseases. In addition, vitamin E seems to play a specific role in the nervous system. As a result, vitamin E has been used in pharmacologic doses in the treatment of disorders such as Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, and tardive dyskinesia. One investigation showed that the use of 2000 IU all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. Similar doses of vitamin E, however, were not beneficial for delaying the progression of Parkinson disease. In other studies, dosages >/=400 IU vitamin E/d were found to be beneficial in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, although this finding was not confirmed in a larger cooperative study conducted by the Veterans Administration. Even though the efficacy of vitamin E in the management of cardiovascular disease has been shown, the potential role of vitamin E in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease remains essentially unknown. The experience from 2 large clinical trials involving the oral intake of 2000 IU vitamin E/d suggests that vitamin E is relatively safe at this dosage for periods <2 y. However, the safety and efficacy of supplemental vitamin E over periods of many years in the prevention of neurologic diseases has not been adequately explored.
AuthorsG T Vatassery, T Bauer, M Dysken (Affiliation: Research Service and GRECC, VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA. Vatas001 at tc.umn.edu)
JournalThe American journal of clinical nutrition (Am J Clin Nutr) Vol. 70 Issue 5 Pg. 793-801 (Nov 1999) ISSN: 0002-9165 UNITED STATES
PMID10539737 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)
Chemical References
  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin E
Topics
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease (drug therapy)
  • Antioxidants (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
  • Central Nervous System Diseases (drug therapy, prevention & control)
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Geriatrics
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress (drug effects)
  • Parkinson Disease (drug therapy)
  • Vitamin E (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)