Effects of vitamin E on serum cytokine levels in healthy adults

Abstract

Effects of Vitamin E on serum cytokine levels in healthy adultsPurpose: The study determined the effects of increased dietary intake of Vitamin E (~15g per day) on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukins (IL)‐1α, 1β, IL 2, IL 4, IL 6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in healthy adults. Methods: Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to Control (C) and Intervention (I) groups (n=15) and allowed to consume normal diets for one week. Group C continued their normal diets for 4 weeks and group I was given vitamin E‐rich foods (muffins with cottonseed oil, almonds, broccoli, wheat germ) for 4 weeks. Weekly 3‐day diet diaries were analyzed for nutrients and energy using NDSR program. Blood samples were assayed for VEGF, interleukins and TNF‐α at baseline and week 5. Results: At the end of week 5, Group I had 2.5‐fold higher IL‐α, and 2.2‐fold higher IL‐1β production than Group C (P<0.05) respectively. This group also had 2.0‐fold higher IL‐2, IL‐4, and 1.8‐fold higher TNF‐α production than Group C (P<0.05) respectively. However, IL‐6 production was not significantly enhanced in Group I at the end of week 5. VEGF levels in Group I was 0.8‐fold lower (NS; P=0.059) than Group C at the end of week 5. Conclusion: Serum pro‐inflammatory IL 1‐α, 1‐β, IL 2, IL 4, and TNF‐α levels were significantly improved by including vitamin E‐rich foods in the diet without affecting energy intake, with no changes in IL‐6 and VEGF levels in these healthy adults.