The evidence that specific vitamins may be beneficial in the prevention of 
cardiovascular disease (CVD) is supported by mechanistic models of 
atherogenesis. We and others have published observational epidemiologic studies 
in support of vitamins in the primary prevention of CVD, but the results from 
intervention studies are mixed. This article summarizes the recent results for 
vitamin E, vitamin D, and the B vitamins, comparing study populations, study 
designs, and potential methodologic reasons for differences in findings. For 
vitamin E, observational data suggest benefit at doses of 100 to 400 IU/d. 
Results from recent large-scale trials are mixed, with some showing modest 
benefit but others suggesting no benefit, especially for secondary prevention. 
Results for B vitamins are also mixed and further complicated by the recent 
folate fortification of the flour supply. If greater B vitamin intake does 
reduce CVD, the benefits are likely to be greatest for primary prevention and in 
populations with intake below dietary reference standards. Research on vitamin D 
and CVD is just beginning to emerge, but current data suggest that if there is 
benefit it likely needs to be at intake levels much higher than the current 
reference intakes of 200 to 600 IU/d for American adults.