Vitamin E does not modify HDL-cholesterol.

Vitamin E has been reported to increase serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Given the known inverse relationship between HDL-cholesterol and risk of developing coronary artery disease, these preliminary results require verification or refutation. In the present study, 39 volunteers were given 600 U of vitamin E daily for 30 days. Serum vitamin E, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured at appropriate intervals. No significant change in serum HDL-cholesterol with vitamin E therapy could be documented.