Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Disease
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Universal Activity Number: 407-000-11-050-H01-P
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacist
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 02/01/2011
Expiration date: 02/01/2014
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
CEUs 0.1
Audience: Pharmacist
Activity Type: Knowledge-based
Issued date: 02/01/2011
Expiration date: 02/01/2014
Submit your answers by clicking here
completed purchase is required to receive the corresponding CEUs.
Article title:
The Role of Antioxidant Vitamins in Cardiovascular Disease
Goal
The role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of CVD and the results of randomized clinical trials of antioxidant vitamins in CVD are reviewed. Conclusions on the use of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene supplementation in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD are given.
Objectives
Upon completion of this CE article, the reader will be able to:
- Define oxidative stress and describe its role in the development of CVD.
- Describe key features of the antioxidant vitamins reviewed.
-
Evaluate the results of randomized clinical trials of
antioxidant vitamins in CVD. -
Compare and contrast the results of observational
studies of antioxidant vitamins in CVD with the results
of randomized clinical trials and understand the
relevant limitations of each type of trial. - Develop recommendations for patients seeking information regarding antioxidant vitamin use in CVD.
Abstract
Objective: To review the current data on the role of antioxidant vitamins in cardiovascular disease.
Data Sources: Articles were obtained from a MEDLINE search covering all years. Terms used in the search included combinations of antioxidant, vitamin, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and cardiovascular disease. Reference lists from articles were examined for additional references.
Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized clinical trials were selected and evaluated for study design and data obtained. Observational studies, meta-analyses, and basic science articles were also reviewed for background.
Data Synthesis: The use of dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, is common among patients in the US. Vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene are all supplements with
reported antioxidant activity. Because oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease, there has been significant research at the basic science level as well as observational
studies and randomized placebo-controlled trials examining the potential impact of vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. While basic science data and
data from observational studies have identified benefit from antioxidant vitamin supplementation, randomized clinical trials have failed to support a role for antioxidant vitamin supplementation in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusions: Data from randomized clinical trials do not support the use of antioxidant vitamins in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, antioxidant vitamins should not be recommended to patients for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
J Pharm Technol 2011;27:27-34.