Can vitamin E supplementation affect obesity indices? A systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-four randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#body-mass-index #body-weight #dietary-supplements #humans #obesity

Can vitamin E supplementation affect obesity indices? A systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-four randomized controlled trials

Emami et al., 2021 | Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Emami Mohammad Reza, Jamshidi Sanaz, ... Aryaeian Naheed. Can vitamin E supplementation affect obesity indices? A systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-four randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr. 2021-May;40(5):3201-3209. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2021.02.002

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several mechanisms have been proposed for the effect of vitamin E on weight loss. Yet various interventional studies with wide ranges of doses and durations have reported contradictory results. METHODS: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched up to December 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect method. Effect size was presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 index. In order to identification of potential sources of heterogeneity, predefined subgroup and meta regression analyses was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies with 33 data sets were included. There was no significant effect of vitamin E on weight (WMD: 0.15, 95% CI: -1.35 to 1.65, P = 0.847), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.37, P = 0.815), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -0.19 kg, 95% CI: -2.06 to 1.68, P = 0.842), respectively. However, subgroup analysis revealed that vitamin E supplementation in studies conducted on participants with normal BMI (18.5-24.9) had increasing impact on BMI (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: There was no significant effect of vitamin E supplementation on weight, BMI and WC. However, vitamin E supplementation might be associated with increasing BMI in people with normal BMI (18.5-24.9).

Key Findings

A total of 24 studies with 33 data sets were included. There was no significant effect of vitamin E on weight (WMD: 0.15, 95% CI: -1.35 to 1.65, P = 0.847), body mass index (BMI) (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.29 to 0.37, P = 0.815), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -0.19 kg, 95% CI: -2.06 to 1.68, P = 0.842), respectively. However, subgroup analysis revealed that vitamin E supplementation in studies conducted on participants with normal BMI (18.5-24.9) had increasing impact on BMI (P = 0.047).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 24
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Obesity
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins
  • Waist Circumference

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

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