In a nutshell
This review evaluated the safety and effectiveness of vitamin E supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors concluded that regular supplementation with vitamin E can help to improve the overall quality of life (QoL) in patients by reducing joint discomfort, swelling due to excessive fluid buildup in tissues (edema), and joint stiffness.
Some background
RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes painful, swollen joints and joint degeneration. The disease affects the QoL of patients. Chronic inflammation associated with RA may be linked to an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants in the body.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with strong antioxidant properties. It can have protective effects against chronic inflammation. Supplementation with antioxidants can aid in reducing oxidative stress linked to chronic inflammation. However, the effect of regular vitamin E supplementation in patients with RA remains unclear.
Methods & findings
This review analyzed the results of 9 randomized, controlled studies with 39,845 patients with RA. Treated patients received vitamin E supplementation, combined medication, or combined rehabilitation training. Patients in the control group received non-vitamin E supplements such as fish oil, placebo, other medication, rehabilitation training, and routine care. Total responses, changes in RA disease activity scores from baseline, pain scores, safety, and QoL were measured.
Supplementation with vitamin E was shown to be more effective in patients with sensitive and swollen joints, morning stiffness, and edema. There was an overall improvement in QoL in patients. Vitamin E treatments had a high level of safety in patients.
The bottom line
The study concluded that patients with RA had an improvement in treatment responses, QoL, and limb function after regular supplementation with vitamin E.
The fine print
The study had a short follow-up period. For most studies, no description was given for randomization procedures and methods of concealing patient identity. Doses of vitamin E supplementation were not the same across the studies. Differences in patient ages, physical conditions, and treatment duration existed across the studies. The study design did not consider differences in patients of various ethnic backgrounds.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor whether vitamin E supplementation is good in your situation.
Published By :
European journal of clinical nutrition
Date :
Apr 25, 2022
