Study Finds Vitamin E Effective in Helping Prevent Diabetic Heart Disease Texas researchers have determined that Vitamin E can help reduce the risk of heart failure in diabetics. Tests showed that Vitamin E reduced the amount of inflammation in blood vessels of the heart, according to a study. The study was conducted by medical scientists at the University of Texas's Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Heart disease has been shown to be one of the most serious possible side effects of diabetes. But when Vitamin E is consumed, the vitamin can enter body cells that contribute to plaque in the blood vessels, researchers said, and help reduce the swelling which can lead to heart illness, or cardiovascular disease. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E are the key to reducing the inflammation, the tests determined. Vitamin E, along with Vitamin C, are known as effective antioxidants, fighting off free radicals which can damage healthy body cells. Researchers conducted a study of 75 patients who had Type 2 diabetes, which is a common form of the disease. Test subjects received l,200 international units of Vitamin E daily, and all of the persons tested showed a lowering of inflammation in their blood. The test participants included both patients who were diabetic and had heart disease and some who were neither diabetic nor had heart disease. Blood tests were administered both before and after the study to determine the effect of the Vitamin E intake on inflammation.