Vitamin E supplement usage and pulmonary outcomes in COPDGene

Abstract

Background: Studies of vitamin E and lung function have shown conflicting results, possibly due to opposing inflammatory actions of different tocopherol isoforms. This study assessed the use of vitamin E supplements, which are primarily the alpha-tocopherol isoform, in a subset of participants from COPDGene.

Methods: Information on use of multi-vitamin and other supplement use was collected as part of a medication survey that was administered to 96 participants in the COPDGene cohort at a single institution. Participants answered “Yes/No” to a question regarding use of vitamin E supplements and provided information on dosage. Pulmonary outcomes from the COPDGene database included measurements of lung function (pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ and % pred FEV₁) and emphysema (% HU below 950). Student's t-tests and ANOVA models were used for comparisons.

Results: Twenty-three percent (22/96) of the participants reported using vitamin E supplements. When reporting dosages, 15% (n=3) took <100 IU, 60% 9 (n=12) took 300-500 IU, and 25% (n=5) didn't' know. The use of vitamin E supplements was associated with an increase in FEV₁ (1.7 vs. 1.3 L for users and non-users, respectively, p= 0.05). There was no association with vitamin E supplements and emphysema.

Conclusion: Vitamin E supplements are primarily alpha-tocopherol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Increased dietary alpha tocopherol may be beneficial for lung function.