Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Clalit Health Services found that Type 2 diabetics who took 400 IUs of vitamin E daily had more than 50 percent fewer heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths than Hp 2-2 patients who took a placebo pill, the American Technion Society said Friday in a release.

The report said 40 percent of people with diabetes carry the Hp 2-2 gene.

The findings were published in the Nov. 21 online edition of the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Dr. Andrew Levy of the Technion Faculty of Medicine said the study suggests that genetic testing for the Hp 2-2 gene may be useful to identify those who might benefit from taking vitamin E supplements.