Vitamin E is sometimes described as anti-sterility vitamin However, its anti-sterility function is seen only in some animals and not in human beings Vitamin E activity is present in several tocopherols, the most important being Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta- tocopherols Vitamin E is sometimes described as anti-sterility vitamin However, its anti-sterility function is seen only in some animals and not in human beings Vitamin E activity is present in several tocopherols, the most important being Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta- tocopherols

Alpha-Tocopherol is the most abundant tocopherol in foods, and is taken as the standard The vitamin E activity present in 1 mg of this compound is described as one international unit (IU)

Sources

The most important function of vitamin E in human beings is to act as an anti-oxidant. Vitamin E is readily oxidisable, and prevents the oxidation of other, less oxidisable compounds. It prevents the oxidation of other anti-oxidants e.g.carotenes, vitamin A and vitamin C The most important function of vitamin E in human beings is to act as an anti-oxidant. Vitamin E is readily oxidisable, and prevents the oxidation of other, less oxidisable compounds. It prevents the oxidation of other anti-oxidants e.g.carotenes, vitamin A and vitamin C Functions

It prevents peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, and protects the tissues against the harmful effects of lipid peroxides It protects the RBC membrane from oxidants, and makes the RBCs resistant to haemolysis It protects the pulmonary tissue from atmospheric oxidants It prevents peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, and protects the tissues against the harmful effects of lipid peroxides It protects the RBC membrane from oxidants, and makes the RBCs resistant to haemolysis It protects the pulmonary tissue from atmospheric oxidants

1. Vitamin E is essential for the membrane structure and integrity of the cell, hence it is regarded as a membrane antioxidant. 2, lt prevents the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in various tissues and membranes. It Protects RBC from hemolysis by oxidizing agents (e.g. H2O2) 3.It is closely associated with reproductive functions and prevents sterility. 4 lt increases the synthesis of heme by enhancing the activity of enzymes Delta aminolevulinic acid(ALA) synthase and ALA dehydratase.

5.Vitamin E is needed for optimal absorption of amino acids from the intestine. 6.lt is involved in proper synthesis of nucleic acids. 7.Vitamin E protects liver from being damaged by toxic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride. 8. lt works in association with vitamins A, C and Beta- carotene, to delay the onset of cataract. 9,Vitamin E has been recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. 5.Vitamin E is needed for optimal absorption of amino acids from the intestine. 6.lt is involved in proper synthesis of nucleic acids. 7.Vitamin E protects liver from being damaged by toxic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride. 8. lt works in association with vitamins A, C and Beta- carotene, to delay the onset of cataract. 9,Vitamin E has been recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin E and selenium The element selenium is found in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase that destroys free radicals. Thus, Se is also involved in antioxidant functions like vitamin E, and both of them Act synergistically. To a certain extent, Se can spare the requirement vitamin E, and vice versa. Vitamin E and selenium The element selenium is found in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase that destroys free radicals. Thus, Se is also involved in antioxidant functions like vitamin E, and both of them Act synergistically. To a certain extent, Se can spare the requirement vitamin E, and vice versa.

Requirement  Infants : 4-5 IU/day  Children : 7-12 IU/day  Adult men : 15 IU/day  Adult women : 12 IU/day  Pregnant and lactating women : 15 IU/day

The requirement of vitamin E is related to the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) It has been suggested that an intake of 0.8 mg of D-a- tocopherol (or 1.2 IU of vitamin E) per gm of PUFA in diet will prevent vitamin E deficiency. The requirement of vitamin E is related to the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) It has been suggested that an intake of 0.8 mg of D-a- tocopherol (or 1.2 IU of vitamin E) per gm of PUFA in diet will prevent vitamin E deficiency.

Deficiency Deficiency of vitamin E is uncommon because of its widespread distribution in foods Moreover, the foods which are rich in PUFA, e.g. vegetable oils, are also rich in vitamin E. Deficiency Deficiency of vitamin E is uncommon because of its widespread distribution in foods Moreover, the foods which are rich in PUFA, e.g. vegetable oils, are also rich in vitamin E.

Deficiency may occur in severely undernourished children and in premature infants fed on artificial milk not containing vitamin E The clinical manifestations of deficiency are oedema, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytosis.

Vitamin E deficiency can cause: Spinocerebellar ataxia Myopathies Peripheral neuropathy Ataxia Skeletal myopathy Retinopathy Impairment of the immune response Red blood cell destruction