The story of vitamin E is now beginning to take on a new life and enhanced interest among scientists for a wider role in the prevention and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic diseases. This especially true for the field of cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention.
Free radicals can damage body cells and tissues including DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
This may be a major factor in causing coronary artery disease. The cholesterol, by depositing in the vessel walls, can result in the narrowing of the lumen of the artery which in turn leads to an eventual thrombosis or blockage of the vessel. This condition has been called a coronary thrombosis or heart attack. There is mounting evidence that antioxidants are capable of scavenging free radicals, and if so, should play a major role in controlling these potentially harmful reactions. One worker characterized antioxidants as shields or bullet-proof vests that protect against the free radicals which are likened to the bullets.