The value of genotyping for apolipoprotein E alleles in relation to vitamin E supplementation

The clinical utility of genotyping individuals for apolipoprotein E alleles remains controversial. The present summary reviews clinical and scientific data that suggest that vitamin E supplementation may be beneficial in individuals who carry the apolipoprotein E4 allele. We propose that early anti-oxidant intervention with vitamin E supplementation may have life-long beneficial effects for individuals who carry one or more apolipoprotein E4 alleles. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.