Women Over 45 Could Benefit from Vitamin E Supplements

A recent study found that women over 45 years of age may be able to reduce their risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary heart disease (COPD) by taking daily supplements of Vitamin E.

COPD is a progressive disease of the lungs that causes chronic coughing and makes it hard to breath.

The study was conducted by researchers at Cornell University and Brigham and Women's Hospital. The study has not yet been published but the findings were presented at the ATS International Conference in New Orleans held the week of May 14, 2010.

For the study the researchers analyzed data on over 40,000 women 45 years or older who took part in the Women’s Health Study. The Women’s Health Study lasted for 4 years, and focused on the effects of aspirin and vitamin E in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

During the study period, the participants were randomly given 600 mg of vitamin E or a placebo every other day over the course of the study.

The researchers observed a 10% reduction in COPD risk among women given the vitamin E supplement. The researchers also measured the instance of asthma but found no association between vitamin E and a reduction in the risk of asthma.

Vitamin E is found in a number of foods, however it is usually only present in small quantities. For this reason, many people could benefit from taking a vitamin E supplement. Liquid supplements are usually most effective and taking the natural form of vitamin E is better than the synthetic form.