Vitamin E, Alpha-Tocopherol, and Its Effects on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Recently, it has been discovered that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways play a role in depression and anxiety. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety. Methods: This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (Reference: CRD42021260058) is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2021. Results: Twelve studies were included in this systematic review, and nine in meta-analysis of vitamin E versus placebo. For depression, meta-analysis of 354 participants showed a standardised mean difference of –0.88 (95% CI: –1.54, –0.21; I2 = 87%) favouring vitamin E. For anxiety, meta-analysis of 306 participants showed a standardised mean difference of –0.86 (95% CI: –2.11, 0.40; I2 = 95%) favouring vitamin E. Three of the studies involved a pure comparison of vitamin E against placebo, while others included constituents such as omega-3 fatty acids. Nine of the studies were at low risk of bias, two had some concerns, and one was at high risk of bias. Conclusion: Vitamin E supplementation has shown inconclusive results in ameliorating both depression and anxiety. Containing a reassuring safety profile and low cost, future studies would be of promise, and they would benefit from both larger sample sizes and from excluding other constituents, such as omega-3 fatty acids, from experimental and comparator arms.

Oxidative Stress and Psychiatric Disorders: Evidence from the Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

“…For instance, antidepressant treatment can significantly reduce MDA and increase UA and zinc levels [ 12 , 13 ]; oral re-alimentation could lead to increased albumin and apolipoprotein B reduction [ 16 ]. Antioxidative treatment may alleviate some symptoms of psychiatric disorders, such as SCZ [ 17 , 18 ], MDD [ 19 ], and ASD [ 20 ].…”

Hubungan Konsumsi Sumber Antioksidan dan Aktivitas Fisik dengan Gejala Depresi pada Mahasiswa Tingkat Akhir

“…Vitamin E sebagai anti inflamasi dan antioksidan berperan pada pencegahan depresi. Tingkat antioksidan yang rendah termasuk vitamin E dapat berimplikasi pada depresi (9). Beta karoten mempunyai keunggulan sebagai antioksidan yang dapat melindumgi jaringan yang banyak mengandung lipid (10).…”

“…Salah satu penanganan gejala depresi yaitu dengan pengaturan pola makan. Tanda gejala depresi seseorang dapat menjadi lebih parah apabila pengaturan pola makan salah sehingga menyebabkan ketidakseimbangan gizi dalam tubuh salah satu diataranya adalah kekurang vitamin C, vitamin E dan beta karoten (9,11,15). Saat kondisi stres terjadi peningkatan produksi dan mobilisasi adrenal, pemanfaatan vitamin dan mineral, mis.…”

“…Vitamin E yang merupakan antioksidan nonenzimatik yang memainkan peran sekunder, di samping antioksidan enzimatik, seperti glutathione peroxidase dan superoxide dismutase, dalam mengurangi perubahan oksidan akibat stres. Saat stress menyebabkan perubahan biokimia, antioksidan mampu menetralisir radikal bebas dan menekan jalur stres oksidatif, menghilangkan reactive oxygen species (ROS) dan reactive nitrogen species (RNS) yang dapat menyebabkan kerusakan pada neuron di otak sehingga dapat mengurangi gejala depresi (9). Selain itu, beta karoten juga berperan dapat mencegah risiko depresi.…”

Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

“…The alteration of gut microbiota diversity could change gut barrier permeability, stimulate inflammation and immune responses, affect the release and efficacy of monoamine neurotransmitters, and decrease the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may provoke depressive episodes [ 10 ]. Additionally, anxiety is correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress as well as the neuronal noradrenergic and serotonergic dysfunction of the central nervous system [ 11 , 12 ]. The excessive secretion of adrenal hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines could inhibit the expression of BDNF in the brain, which may accelerate the occurrence of anxiety [ 13 ].…”