Anti inflammatory vitamins
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Anti-Inflammatory Vitamins: A Comprehensive Overview
Vitamin E: Diverse Forms and Their Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Non-α-Tocopherol Forms of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a family of compounds that includes tocopherols and tocotrienols. While α-tocopherol (αT) is the most common form, recent studies highlight the superior anti-inflammatory properties of other forms such as γ-tocopherol (γT), δ-tocopherol, and γ-tocotrienol. These forms are effective in scavenging reactive nitrogen species, inhibiting enzymes like cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, and suppressing proinflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB and STAT3/61. Additionally, their metabolites, particularly long-chain carboxychromanols, exhibit stronger anti-inflammatory effects than unmetabolized vitamins1.
α-Tocopherol and Inflammatory Biomarkers
Despite the promising results of non-αT forms, the effects of α-tocopherol on inflammation are less clear. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that α-tocopherol supplementation significantly reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, particularly in individuals with insulin resistance-related disorders8. However, long-term combined supplementation of α-tocopherol and vitamin C showed no detectable anti-inflammatory effects in healthy men6.
Vitamin D: Immune Modulation and Inflammation
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Vitamin D, known for its role in bone health, also exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that vitamin D supplementation can reduce inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with type 2 diabetes4. Another review highlighted that vitamin D consistently demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in studies involving human-derived immune cells, including decreased expression of toll-like receptors and reduced reactive oxygen species3.
Mechanisms of Action
Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through various mechanisms, including the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and the inhibition of neutrophil degranulation and reactive oxygen species production7. These actions are observed both peripherally and centrally, indicating a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory activities7.
Vitamin B6: High-Dose Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Cellular Studies
High-dose vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has shown potent anti-inflammatory effects in cellular studies. It downregulates a wide range of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte/macrophage cells5. This broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory action suggests that vitamin B6 could be a valuable adjunct treatment for inflammatory-related diseases5.
Vitamin A: Immune System and Epithelial Integrity
Role in Inflammation
Vitamin A is essential for the normal functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of epithelial tissues. Deficiency in vitamin A is linked to increased susceptibility to infections and inflammation. Supplementation with vitamin A has been beneficial in various inflammatory conditions, such as skin disorders and broncho-pulmonary dysplasia, by enhancing immune responses and maintaining epithelial integrity10.
Combined Nutrient Supplementation
Enriched Hen Eggs Study
A study on the consumption of hen eggs enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium, vitamin E, and lutein demonstrated a shift towards anti-inflammatory conditions in healthy participants. This was evidenced by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and altered metabolites produced via cyclooxygenase pathways9. The combined action of these nutrients suggests a synergistic effect in promoting anti-inflammatory states9.
Conclusion
Vitamins E, D, B6, and A exhibit significant anti-inflammatory properties through various mechanisms. Non-α-tocopherol forms of vitamin E, high-dose vitamin B6, and vitamin D supplementation show promising results in reducing inflammation. Vitamin A also plays a crucial role in maintaining immune function and epithelial integrity, further contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. Combined nutrient supplementation, as seen in enriched hen eggs, may offer additional benefits in promoting anti-inflammatory conditions. Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical practice and optimize supplementation strategies for inflammatory-related diseases.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Natural forms of vitamin E: metabolism, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and their role in disease prevention and therapy.
Non--tocopherol forms of vitamin E, such as -tocopherol and -tocotrienol, have superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in chronic disease prevention and therapy.
Literature Review
Highly CitedEffect of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation: protocol for a systematic review
Vitamin D supplementation's impact on inflammation remains largely unknown, with potential clinical implications for reducing inflammation and inflammatory diseases.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe Impact of Vitamin D Levels on Inflammatory Status: A Systematic Review of Immune Cell Studies
Vitamin D has a consistent anti-inflammatory effect in studies of cell lines and human-derived PBMCs, suppressing key markers associated with chronic low-grade inflammation.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D supplementation for improvement of chronic low‐grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Vitamin D supplementation may reduce chronic low-grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedHigh-Dose Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Displays Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Monocytes
High-dose vitamin B6 shows strong anti-inflammatory properties in monocyte/macrophage cells, potentially being useful as an adjunct treatment for inflammatory-related diseases.
In Vitro StudyLong-term combined supplementations with alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C have no detectable anti-inflammatory effects in healthy men.
Long-term combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol and vitamin C in reasonable doses shows no detectable anti-inflammatory effects in healthy men with slight hypercholesterolemia and no overt signs of inflammation.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin D (VD3) antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities: Peripheral and central effects.
Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, reducing pain and inflammation at both peripheral and central sites.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyRigorous JournalThe effect of vitamin E supplementation on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Vitamin E supplementation, particularly in the form of -tocopherol, has a beneficial effect on subclinical inflammation in adults.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalConsumption of Hen Eggs Enriched with n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Selenium, Vitamin E and Lutein Incites Anti-Inflammatory Conditions in Young, Healthy Participants - A Randomized Study.
Consuming enriched hen eggs with n-3 PUFAs, selenium, vitamin E, and lutein may shift the immune response towards anti-inflammatory conditions in healthy adults.
RCTVitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent
Vitamin A deficiency increases inflammation and can be supplemented to improve inflammation in various conditions, including skin disorders and precancerous and cancer states.
Highly Cited