Vitamin E

Question 1

What is vitamin E?

Answer 1

It is a dietary vitamin that is a mixture of compounds called tocopherols and only alpha-tocopherol is active for humans.

Question 2

Fucntion of vitamin E?

Answer 2

primary functions: as a fat soluble antioxidant

2. ) involved in immune function, cellular signalling and gene expression
3. ) Inhibit PKC, affects cell adgesion and arachidonic acid metabolism.
4. ) necessary for human reproductive function

Question 3

Sources of vitamin E?

Answer 3

Pure vegetable oil, egg yolk, wheat, wholemeal bread, cereals, nuts, sunflower seeds.

Question 4

Recommended daily intake?

Answer 4

15 mg

Question 5

How does vitamin E move in the body?

Answer 5

It is absorbed in the small intestine with lipids as chylomicrons and then secreted by the liver as VLDL. The lipoproteins deliver the vitamin E to the tissues.

Question 6

What is vitamin E’s role as an antioxidant?

Answer 6

1. ) it is associated with all lipid based cellular structure
2. ) it protects unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes by neutralising the free radicals.

Question 7

Effect of vitamin E deficiency in the human body?

Answer 7

It is rare in adults and is due to lipid malabsorption. It newborn (premature) they are at risk with hemolytic anaemia due to membrane damage to RBC.