Over the past years, antioxidants, and particularly vitamin E, have re
ceived considerable attention in the treatment of human diseases. In r
heumatology, interest has been given to the treatment and prevention o
f rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, the concept of usi
ng antioxidant nutrients as potential remedies is not new. As early as
the sixties, first case reports have described beneficial effects of
vitamin E in the therapy of osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, most of the f
ollowing studies were not conducted properly, thus, not allowing valid
inferences about the efficacy of vitamin E. Newer studies with sound
methodology have shown a beneficial effect in rheumatic diseases, main
ly in the reduction of pain. This paper reviews current and past studi
es about vitamin E in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.