Clinical use of antioxidant vitamin supplementation may help to prevent coronary 
heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic studies find lower CHD morbidity and 
mortality in persons who consume larger quantities of antioxidants in foods or 
supplements. Clinical trials indicate that supplementation with certain 
nutrients is beneficial in reducing the incidence of CHD events. Recent studies 
show that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins E and C have benefits in CHD 
prevention; however, supplementation with beta-carotene may have deleterious 
effects and is not recommended. Current evidence suggests that patients with CHD 
would probably benefit from taking vitamin E in a dosage of 400 IU per day and 
vitamin C in a dosage of 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Clinicians may also want to 
consider vitamin supplementation for CHD prevention in high-risk patients. 
Folate lowers elevated homocysteine levels, but evidence for routine 
supplemental use does not yet exist. Other nutritional supplements are currently 
under investigation.