Effect of vitamin E supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #quality-of-life #arthritis-rheumatoid #vitamins #vitamin-e

Effect of vitamin E supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kou et al., 2023 | Eur J Clin Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kou Haiyang, Qing Zhong, ... Ma Jianbing. Effect of vitamin E supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2023-Feb;77(2):166-172. doi:10.1038/s41430-022-01148-9

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vitamin E in rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHODS: A computerized search of PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted to find published randomized controlled trials of vitamin E in rheumatoid arthritis; the experimental group was treated with vitamin E, while the control group was treated with placebo, other drugs, or external therapy; the search period was from the time each database was established to December 31, 2021, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Rev Man 5.4 software. RESULTS: This research eventually comprised nine publications with a total of 39,845 patients. Vitamin E supplementation was shown to be more effective in individuals with RA for sensitive joints (MD = -1.66, 95% CI - -6.32-2.99; I2 = 93%; P < 0.00001) and swollen joints (MD = -0.46, 95% CI - -1.98-1.07; I2 = 56%; P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E's ability to restore the intestinal barrier and improve the gastrointestinal tract may be linked to the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin E supplements used on a regular basis can help individuals with RA reduce joint discomfort, edema, and stiffness, as well as enhance their overall quality of life.

Key Findings

This research eventually comprised nine publications with a total of 39,845 patients. Vitamin E supplementation was shown to be more effective in individuals with RA for sensitive joints (MD = -1.66, 95% CI - -6.32-2.99; I2 = 93%; P < 0.00001) and swollen joints (MD = -0.46, 95% CI - -1.98-1.07; I2 = 56%; P = 0.08).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population ra for sensitive joints
Sample Size 39845
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin E
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

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