Recent investigations into the connection between vitamin E and blood pressure (BP) have yielded mixed results. A new study conducted by researchers at Nanchang University aims to clarify this relationship, focusing on both diabetic and non-diabetic adult populations.
The research utilized data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study’s biomarker project, encompassing 1,068 participants. The study specifically analyzed the impact of two forms of vitamin E—alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol—on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Employing smooth curve and multivariate linear regression analyses, the researchers sought to elucidate any existing associations.
Findings from the smooth curve analysis indicated a nearly linear correlation between blood vitamin E levels and both systolic and diastolic BP. Notably, the study revealed that gamma-tocopherol levels had a significant, independent association with systolic BP (B=0.427, 95% CI 0.067-0.787, P=0.020) and diastolic BP (B=0.289, 95% CI 0.072-0.507, P=0.009). These associations remained significant after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, alcohol consumption, and frequency of exercise.
Similarly, alpha-tocopherol levels were positively correlated with systolic BP (B=0.150, 95% CI 0.064-0.235, P=0.001) and diastolic BP (B=0.056, 95% CI 0.004-0.107, P=0.035) under the same adjustments. However, it is crucial to note that these significant correlations were observed exclusively in participants without diabetes, indicating a distinct difference between the two populations.
This study marks the first instance of demonstrating that higher levels of blood vitamin E, encompassing both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, are positively linked to increased systolic and diastolic BP in non-diabetic individuals. Further research may be warranted to explore the implications of these findings for dietary recommendations and blood pressure management.
Related topics:
Funding Boost for Diabetes Management Amid Workforce Shortages
Darkened Skin May Signal Prediabetes: How to Prevent Its Progression to Diabetes
Study Links Body Fat Fluctuations to Increased Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Obese Patients