The results, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that blood flow was maintained at normal healthy levels when a vitamin E capsule was taken along with the fatty meal. The vitamin E was in supplement form of 800 international units (IU).

In addition to the effect of Vitamin E working against the fatty meal, intake of oatmeal also appeared to help maintain the proper blood flow in arteries, the test determined. But not wheat, which was used as a placebo by the seven scientists conducting the study.

The study was based on findings that high-fat meals harm the function of the body's blood vessels. Using ultrasound testing, the study determined that the fatty meals caused arterial blood flow to drop by l3.4%. When followed by the 800 IU of Vitamin E or by the oatmeal, no significant differences in the blood flow were found.

The tests were conducted on 50 adults, 25 men and 25 women in what was described as a "randomized, crossover study." All of the test subjects were known to be free of vascular disease, and the female participants were all post-menopausal.

The test group consumed the high-fat meal, 50 grams of fat on three occasions spread over three weeks. Brachial artery peak flow was tested within one minute after consumption of the high-fat meal.

There was no difference in brachial artery flow change before or after the high-fat meal with either the vitamin E supplement or oatmeal, the researchers concluded, noting that their findings "may have important implications for cardiovascular health."

　　From HealthWorld Online