[HTML][HTML] Vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, and its effects on depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ARYB Lee, A Tariq, G Lau, NWK Tok, WWS Tam…�- Nutrients, 2022 - mdpi.com
ARYB Lee, A Tariq, G Lau, NWK Tok, WWS Tam, CSH Ho
Nutrients, 2022mdpi.com
Background: Recently, it has been discovered that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative
pathways play a role in depression and anxiety. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as
vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety. Methods: This PROSPERO-
registered systematic review (Reference: CRD42021260058) is reported according to
PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched
from inception to June 2021. Results: Twelve studies were included in this systematic�…
Background
Recently, it has been discovered that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways play a role in depression and anxiety. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety.
Methods
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (Reference: CRD42021260058) is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2021.
Results
Twelve studies were included in this systematic review, and nine in meta-analysis of vitamin E versus placebo. For depression, meta-analysis of 354 participants showed a standardised mean difference of –0.88 (95% CI: –1.54, –0.21; I2 = 87%) favouring vitamin E. For anxiety, meta-analysis of 306 participants showed a standardised mean difference of –0.86 (95% CI: –2.11, 0.40; I2 = 95%) favouring vitamin E. Three of the studies involved a pure comparison of vitamin E against placebo, while others included constituents such as omega-3 fatty acids. Nine of the studies were at low risk of bias, two had some concerns, and one was at high risk of bias.
Conclusion
Vitamin E supplementation has shown inconclusive results in ameliorating both depression and anxiety. Containing a reassuring safety profile and low cost, future studies would be of promise, and they would benefit from both larger sample sizes and from excluding other constituents, such as omega-3 fatty acids, from experimental and comparator arms.
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