Natural News

Americans Need E

Without more vitamin E in their diets, Americans run the risk of heart disease, say researchers Earl Ford and Anne Sowell of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga.

The two analyzed data from the federal government's Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) to determine the population's vitamin E status. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol were measured in 16,295 adults age 18 and older. The average serum level was 26.8 umol/L. Vitamin E levels less than 20 umol/L are considered low, because evidence suggests they are associated with increased heart disease risk.

Researchers found 29 percent of the men and 28 percent of the women surveyed had serum levels less than 20 umol/L. The levels for blacks were even lower: 41 percent were below the limit. The authors suggest this widespread vitamin E deficiency contributes significantly to heart disease mortality among blacks in America. They also note that research shows serum alpha-tocopherol levels of 29 umol/L are necessary to reduce heart disease risk. Using that cutoff point, the average American is definitely deficient.

—American Journal of Epidemiology 1999 Aug;150(3):290-300.