{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Vitamin E, Alpha-Tocopherol, and Its Effects on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
{Author}: Lee ARYB;Tariq A;Lau G;Tok NWK;Tam WWS;Ho CSH;
{Journal}: Nutrients
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: Feb 2022 3
{Factor}: 6.706
{DOI}: 10.3390/nu14030656
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.