Vitamin-mineral supplementation and the progression of atherosclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #angiography #angioplasty-balloon-coronary #antioxidants

Vitamin-mineral supplementation and the progression of atherosclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Bleys et al., 2006 | Am J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bleys Joachim, Miller Edgar R, ... Guallar Eliseo. Vitamin-mineral supplementation and the progression of atherosclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006-Oct;84(4):880-7; quiz 954-5

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Laboratory and observational studies suggest that antioxidant and B vitamin supplementation may prevent atherosclerosis. Although trials have not shown a benefit of these supplements on clinical cardiovascular events, it is unknown whether they affect the progression of atherosclerosis as measured by imaging techniques. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of the effect of vitamin-mineral supplementation on atherosclerosis progression. DESIGN: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for relevant studies. No language restrictions were applied. We separately analyzed trials using antioxidants (vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, or selenium) and trials using B vitamins (folate, vitamin B-6, or vitamin B-12). The progression of atherosclerosis was evaluated by B-mode ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound, or angiography. Effect sizes were calculated for the difference in slope of atherosclerosis progression between participants assigned to supplements and those assigned to the control group. RESULTS: In trials not involving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the pooled effect size was -0.06 (95% CI: -0.20, 0.09; 7 trials) for antioxidants and -0.93 (95% CI: -2.11, 0.26; 4 trials) for B vitamins. In trials involving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the pooled relative risk of restenosis was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.26; 3 trials) for antioxidants and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.34, 2.07; 2 trials) for B vitamins. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed no evidence of a protective effect of antioxidant or B vitamin supplements on the progression of atherosclerosis, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for their lack of effect on clinical cardiovascular events.

Key Findings

In trials not involving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the pooled effect size was -0.06 (95% CI: -0.20, 0.09; 7 trials) for antioxidants and -0.93 (95% CI: -2.11, 0.26; 4 trials) for B vitamins. In trials involving percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the pooled relative risk of restenosis was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.26; 3 trials) for antioxidants and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.34, 2.07; 2 trials) for B vitamins.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 7
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary
  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Folic Acid
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Selenium
  • Trace Elements
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins
  • beta Carotene

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance

  • PMID: 17023716
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09