Micronutrients & recovery
Oral supplementation with RRR-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) increases the oxidation resistance of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in a dose-dependent manner, mediated by increased alpha-tocopherol content within the LDL particles.
Taking 150-1200 IU of natural Vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) daily for 3 weeks increases the ability of your LDL cholesterol to resist oxidation, a key step in artery damage. This effect is real but varies by person and is not the only factor protecting your arteries; other antioxidants like carotenoids also matter. Do not view this as a substitute for a heart-healthy diet.
The present study clearly shows that in humans the oxidation resistance of LDL can be increased by vitamin E supplementation... The oxidation resistance of LDL was significantly higher during vitamin E supplementation... a correlation of r2 = 0.51 between alpha-tocopherol in LDL and the oxidation resistance as measured by the length of the lag-phase preceding the oxidation of LDL.
Why this rating
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with 12 subjects; robust biochemical measurements but small sample size limits generalizability.
Source
Effect of oral supplementation with D-alpha-tocopherol on the vitamin E content of human low density lipoproteins and resistance to oxidation.
Martina Dieber‐Rotheneder et al. · Journal of Lipid Research · 1991
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