The effects of vitamin E supplementation on malondialdehyde as a biomarker of oxidative stress in haemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

What this study found

Vitamin E supplementation was associated with lower malondialdehyde levels in haemodialysis patients, suggesting reduced oxidative stress. Across 338 participants in 18 comparisons, most studies showed a reduction in MDA, although some arms showed little change or increases. The overall finding is promising but not definitive because of substantial heterogeneity and potential publication bias. More standardized trials are needed to confirm the effect and define the best formulation and dose.

Study & population

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies with 18 comparisons in 338 adults undergoing haemodialysis.

Intervention

Vitamin E was tested in multiple formulations and doses across haemodialysis trials, including intramuscular alpha-tocopherol acetate 300 mg/day and oral preparations such as alpha-tocopherol 400 to 600 mg/day or 400 IU/day.

Key limitation

Evidence was highly heterogeneous because studies differed in vitamin E formulation, dose, route, duration, and malondialdehyde assay.

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