L16: Vitamin E

Question 1

*What is the function of VE?

Answer 1

• An antioxidant especially for metabolism of fat
• Wound repair
• Immune function
• Signalling b/w cells, regulation of gene expression
• Neurological function
• VE-replete endothelial cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels can better resist platelets adhering tothe endothelium.
• prevents ‘false alarm’ clotting in capillaries

Question 2

What are the symptoms of a VE deficiency?

Answer 2

• Reduced immune response
• Neuromuscular problems (uncontrolled tremors)
• Anaemia due to oxidative damage to RBC’s

Question 3

How can a VE deficiency occur?

Answer 3

• Usually caused by poor uptake rather than inadequate diet
• premature, low birth weight animals
• animals which cannot absorb dietary fat
• rare genetic disorders of fat metabolism

Question 4

*What are some good dietary sources of VE?

When should you supplement?

Answer 4

• wheat grain and most seed oils
• wheat germ
• sunflower
• safflower
• canola oils
• by-product meals from oilseed extraction
• Supplement:
• premature animal
• animal on low fat diet

Question 5

What is a free radical?

Answer 5

a “loose” electron

Question 6

Describe the mechanism of action by VE and VC

Answer 6

• 1. Fat metabolism (oxidation) in cell membrane produces a free radical w/ an active electron. VE mops up electron
• 2. VC in cell cytoplasm accepts electron, recycling VE back to active form, passes electron to NADH