A fat-soluble vitamin,
vitamin E constitutes of eight antioxidants, four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-). Of these, only alpha tocopherol is present in the human body as vitamin E. It is therefore found in sufficient quantities in the tissues and in the blood. Vitamin E shields the important fatty acids and vitamin A from oxidation and helps in preventing breakdown of body tissues.
Alpha tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body cells against free radicals which are dangerous for the human body. Free radicals are natural by-products of metabolism and can also be formed due to exposure to toxins and pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are potentially dangerous to the human body as it can cause grave damage to the cells resulting in cardio-vascular disease and cancer.
Vitamin E also plays a major role in DNA repair and in the immunity system of the body.
The important foods that provide our regular dose of vitamin E are nuts, green vegetables, and cereals. It can also be found in raw mango, broccoli, asparagus and spinach. Aplha-tocopherol performs various other functions as well.
Vitamin E however can be lost during cooking, preparation and storage. It slows down the function of protein kinase C, a significant cell-signaling molecule. It is also said to slow down the platelet aggression and boost vasodilation.
Vitamin E deficiency can lead to severe malnutrition, genetic disorders and malabsorption syndromes. Chidren suffering from cystic fibrosis and cholestatic liver disease have a reduced capacity to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and therefore develop symptomatic vitamin E deficiency.
Vitamin E deficiency may also result in neurological symptoms like impaired coordination, or ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, damage to the retina or muscle weakness. So if a child has severe vitamin E deficiency from birth and not given enough vitamin E supplements would quickly develop neurological symptoms.
In a recent study of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it was seen that women in the age-group of 19 to 50 years had less than 90% of the Recommended Daily Allowance and that of men was close to 100%. It is highly important for us to take our regular RDA, below which the body might be prone to deficiencies related to vitamin E.
Vitamin E and its role in heart disease prevention has been established in two studies published in 1993. The first study which involved 83,234 women in the middle-age group showed a 40% reduction in coronary artery disease than those who did not take
vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin E delays coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Recent studies have shown an important role of vitamin E in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Lens clarity of individuals is also said to be better among individuals who are regular users of vitamin E supplements.
Natural form of vitamin E is twice better than the synthetic form. Most of the vitamins are commercially available in the form of capsules and tablets.
