Cochrane review finds no evidence that Vitamin E supplementation given to people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) would help to prevent or delay the progression to dementia. Similarly, there is no evidence that Vitamin E supplementation improves cognitive function in people with MCI or dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease. | Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods, including vegetable oils and fats, nuts and seeds. Some animal and non-interventional studies have suggested it might have a role in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, evidence has linked vitamin E with potentially serious side effects and even an increased risk of death. This review looked for evidence about the effect of vitamin E on people who had either dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease or milder problems with memory or thinking (mild cognitive impairment).
The review concluded that from limited evidence, there was nothing to suggest that there are either benefits or harms from vitamin E supplements. As the quality of evidence was only moderate, the authors suggest further trials are needed to confirm the findings.
Full reference: Farina, N et al. Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 Apr 18;4
