Vitamin E

The term vitamin E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and 4 tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) that have varying levels of biological activity. They have a chromane ring (tocol) system, with an isoprenoid side chain. Of these, alpha tocopherol (5, 7, 8-trimethyl tocol) is therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the blood and tissue and have greatest biological activity.

Function of Vitamin E 1- Vitamin E is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. It acts by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage; protects unsaturated fatty acids present in cell membranes and circulating lipoproteins from peroxidation reaction.

In this respect Vitamin E serve the following: Protects RBC from hemolysis: by preventing the peroxidation, vitamin E keeps the structural and functional integrity of all cells. b. Prevent coronary heart disease : vitamin E may delay or prevent heart attacks and atherosclerosis by limiting the oxidation of LDL- cholesterol.

Boosts immune response. 3. Promotes healthy skin and hair and prevents age spots (liver spots); it retards cellular aging due to oxidation. 4. Improves muscle strength

5. Reduces the incidence of cancer risk help to protect against damaging effect of free radicals to DNA. block the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens formed in the stomach from nitrites in the diet c. by enhancing immune function.

Inter-relationship with Selenium Selenium is present in the enzyme glutathione-peroxidase. This enzyme neutralizes hydrogen peroxide, which is produced by some cell processes and would otherwise damage cell membranes. Selenium has been found to decrease the requirement of vitamin E and vice Versa. They act synergistically to minimized lipid peroxidation .

Clinical Manifestations of Vitamin E Deficiency Symptomatic deficiency are associated with fat malabsorption. Vitamin E deficiency has been shown to produce: Increased fragility of RBCs and decreased RBCs survival time Muscular weakness.

Is a state of vitamin E toxicity. The level Sources of Vitamin E Vegetable oils are rich sources of vitamin E Hypervitaminosis E  Is a state of vitamin E toxicity. The level above 1000 mg per day, may cause tendency to hemorrhage. Because it is a mild anticoagulant, those who have bleeding disorders should take precautions before taking vitamin. Hypervitaminosis E may also counteract vitamin K, leading to a vitamin K deficiency.