The Claim
Alpha-tocopherol supplementation is associated with a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke and increased mortality in male smokers aged 50 to 69 years compared to placebo.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In male smokers aged 50 to 69, taking alpha-tocopherol supplements is linked to more cases of hemorrhagic stroke and more deaths than taking a placebo.
See the scientific wording
Alpha-tocopherol supplementation is associated with a higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in male smokers aged 50 to 69, with more deaths observed in the supplemented group compared to placebo.
High doses of alpha-tocopherol block the body's use of vitamin K, which is needed to activate proteins that stop bleeding. This makes blood vessels in the brain more likely to rupture and bleed, especially in people who smoke because their vessels are already damaged.
What the research says
1 studyIn a big study of older male smokers, those who took daily vitamin E supplements had more deadly brain bleeds than those who took a sugar pill. So yes, vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of fatal bleeding in the brain for this group.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.