VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes in 8 different forms. All eight forms of Vitamin E can be absorbed in the small intestine but, only alpha-tocopherol can be metabolized by the liver can metabolize, while the remaining forms are excreted.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can protect cells from free radical damage. It is a lipid-soluble nutrient and, may play a role in reducing atherosclerosis and lowering rates of ischemic heart disease. Premature infants and newborn babies have low vitamin E reserves as only small amounts of vitamin E can cross the placenta.

What are the important functions of Vitamin E in our body?

Vitamin E is the major lipid-soluble antioxidant in the cell antioxidant defense system and is exclusively obtained from the diet. The main role of vitamin E and the biological activity of tocopherols are due to its antioxidant property. This antioxidant property of vitamin E is useful for various body processes.

Vitamin E works as an antioxidant, immunomodulation, and antiplatelet effects.

• Protection of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA):

The major biological role of vitamin E is to protect PUFA’s and other components of cell membranes and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation by free radicals.

· Antiplatelet Effect:

Vitamin E inhibits platelet adhesion by preventing oxidative changes to LDLs.

· Protection of Vitamin A and Vitamin C:

It prevents the destruction of vitamin A and C, in the body and foods.

What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency?

Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans, but it can be caused by irregularities in dietary fat absorption or metabolism.

Vitamin E deficiency is seen in premature infants with low birth weight, patients with cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, short-bowel syndrome, and liver diseases.

The most common sign and symptoms of low vitamin E are:

– In children with low vitamin E, symptoms include muscle weakness, slow reflexes, difficulty in walking, loss of coordination, and lack of position sense.

– In adults, low vitamin E can show symptoms of retinopathy (impaired vision), peripheral neuropathy (weakness or pain in hands and legs), ataxia (loss of control of body movements), and decreased immune function.

What is the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin E?

The requirements for the vitamin E are stated in terms of tocopherol equivalents: – 

Females: 8 mg 

Males: 10 mg.

What are the food sources of Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is present in nuts, plant-based oils, seeds, vegetables, and fruits.

• Almonds
• Coconut
• Peanuts
• Corn
• Olives
• Sunflower seeds
• Wheat germ oil
• Sunflower, Safflower, and Soybean oil
• Pumpkin
• Red bell peppers
• Mango
• Avocado

Can too much vitamin E cause toxicity?

Vitamin E is relatively non-toxic. Adults tolerate doses as high as 100 to 1,000 IU per day. However, adverse effects such as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, double vision, the elevation of serum lipids, impaired blood coagulation, and reduction of serum thyroid hormones occur due to indiscriminate ingestion of excessive amounts of vitamin E over long periods.

o A high intake of vitamin E interferes with the functions of other fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K absorption. In terms of vitamin D, it affects bone mineralization. While in the case of vitamin A, it lowers the rate of depletion of vitamin A from the liver.

o There is a strong relationship between vitamin E and dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) because the requirement for the vitamin increases or decreases as the dietary intake of PUFA rises or falls. 

o Vitamin E is directly related to selenium (a mineral), as selenium plays an integral part in lipid metabolism.