Vitamin E is associated with inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic syndrome: insights from a population study

Abstract

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and has been proposed as a promising agent in mitigating conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We hypothesize that vitamin E is inversely associated with inflammatory biomarkers and low-grade systemic inflammation while showing a direct association with anti-inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, we hypothesize that vitamin E will also be inversely associated with the risk of developing MetS. This population-based, cross-sectional study used data from the 2015 ISA-Nutrition survey, which included 368 adults and 212 older adults residing in urban São Paulo. Plasma vitamin E concentration was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and MetS was diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation criteria. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were assessed using standardized protocols. Restricted cubic spline regression models were applied to evaluate nonlinear associations between vitamin E, inflammation, and MetS. In the linear association between IL-6 and vitamin E, there is an interaction with HDL-c. Our findings also revealed a nonlinear J-shaped association between vitamin E and hepcidin (P < .0001), IL-1β (P < .0001), and adiponectin (P < .001), as well as an inverse association with low-grade systemic inflammation (P < .05). Additionally, vitamin E demonstrated a nonlinear association with MetS (P < .01). These results suggest that vitamin E may play a protective role in modulating inflammation and MetS within this specific urban population. Understanding the interactions between vitamin E, inflammation, and MetS risk is essential for developing prevention and dietary management strategies. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms and assess optimal vitamin E intake to support metabolic health.