Antioxidant nutrients, particularly vitamin E, are still widely used with the hope of preventing cancer, heart disease, and dementia. Although, clinical trials have not shown protection from cancer, the correct ‘‘protective’’ dose may not have been used in some trials. Also, the partially favorable effect of vitamin E on amyloid depo¬sition in the brain and its effect on dementia remains to be clarified.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetables and seed oils, particularly soybean and safflower, and sunflower seeds, corn, nuts, whole grains, and wheat germ. Increased dietary intake has not been shown to decrease the incidence of heart disease or cancer. With aging, however, the vitamin E content of blood platelets decreases; this action may predispose individuals to clumping of platelets and cause a risk of clotting. The elderly may thus benefit from some vitamin supplements.
A. Clinical Studies
1. United States Study
A large-scale study in the United States showed a reduction in the relative risk of coronary heart disease only in middle-aged women who took vitamin supplements for more than two years. In men, a borderline beneficial effect was observed for those taking above 100 IU daily for over two years.

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