Says one recent study, too much of vitamin E can increase the risk of a stroke. Researchers from Europe and USA looked at nearly 119,000 individuals who took vitamin E. The study found that hemorrhagic strokes occurred more frequently in patients who took vitamin E. Hemorrhagic strokes, by the way, are the least common type of stroke. The study observed that for every 1,250 individuals there was a chance of bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
On the other hand, the investigators observed that vitamin E cut the risk of ischemic stroke by 10%. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of strokes and occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
Strokes are common in elderly people and account for a high number of deaths each year. Even those who survive are left with severe disability. Previous studies have shown that vitamin E can protect from heart disease but there are some studies that have shown that the vitamin can even increase risk of death.
So what does this mean for the consumer?
Everyone who wants to prevent stroke should maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. The blood pressure should be under control and the cholesterol should be on the low side. Moreover, one should discontinue smoking. These lifestyle changes have a much bigger effect on reduction of stroke than any vitamin.
To date it is not known what level of vitamin E is toxic, but in any case, indiscriminate use of this supplement should be avoided.
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