SHORT-TERM VITAMIN-E SUPPLEMENTATION HAS NO EFFECT ON PLATELET-FUNCTION, PLASMA PHOSPHOLIPASE-A2 AND LYSO-PAF IN MALE-VOLUNTEERS

1. Based largely upon in vitro studies, vitamin E has been reported to inhibit phospholipase A2 activity, to alter phospholipid metabolism and reduce platelet aggregation. 2. The effect of dietary supplementation with D‐α‐tocopherol (1500 iu/day for 14 days) was studied in nine males, 41–63 years old, comparing active treatment with a preceding placebo period. 3. Despite an increase from 2.6±0.8 (s.d.) × 10‐5 mol/L to 6.0±1.8 10‐5 mol/L in plasma vitamin E there were no significant changes in the aggregation of diluted whole blood or platelet rich plasma to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen, in plasma phospholipase A2 activity or plasma lyso‐platelet‐activating factor (lyso‐PAF) (bioassay after in vitro acetylation to PAF). 4. High dose vitamin E dietary supplementation had no effect on these phospholipid and platelet parameters. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved