The effects on ex vivo LDL resistance to oxidation and biomarkers of in vivo oxidative stress in response to 3-month dietary vitamin E restriction to 25% of recommended intake and 2-month unrestricted dietary intake and supplementation with 800 IU/d were studied in 100 healthy, nonsmoking 20-75-year-old volunteers. Significant changes in vitamin E status were associated with decreases and increases, respectively, in LDL resistance to oxidation in the depletion and supplementation period and with decreases in lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA modification in the supplementation period. Healthy aging was not associated with enhanced susceptibility to oxidation in the depletion period.