Vitamin E Flashcards
What is the most common form of Vit E in the typical American diet? What is its primary function?
Gamma-tocopherol. It’s functions include anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, and natriuretic (excretion of abnormally large amounts of Na in the urine). Note: there are 8 form of Vit E; 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols.
True/False: Vit E absorption decreases with increased intake.
True. Vit E absorption varies from 20% to 50%. However, absorption decreases as intake increases.
What are the primarily vehicles for excretion of Vit E?
Vit E is excreted primarily via bile and urine.
What is the principle biochemical function of Vit E and briefly describe its function as an antioxidant?
Vit E principle function is to maintain membrane integrity of the body cells. It does this by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, which is the oxidative degradation of lipids in the membrane. Vit E traps the peroxyl free radicals in the cell membranes and protects the cell membrane from oxidation.
What other nutrients/substances aids Vit E in its function as an antioxidant?
Ascorbic acid and selenium and NADPH. Since the free radical scavenging process oxidized Vit E, these substances regenerate Vit E back into its reduced form.
What are good sources of Vit E?
Vegetables oils, peanuts,wheat germ and asparagus.
What are the RDA for Vit E?
15mg alpha tocopherol/d.
What conditions could lead to Vit D deficiency?
Steatorrhea and other conditions of fat malabsorption like resection of ileum or small intestine. NB: Vit absorption takes place in the jejunum.
What are signs/symptoms of Vit E deficiency?
Increased Platelet aggregation, decreased RBC survival, neuronal degeneration, hemolytic anemia etc.
What measurements is used to assess Vit E status?
Plams alpha-tocopherol are commonly used and plasma alpha-tocopherol ratio to plasma cholestrol is used to evaluate Vit E status. Plasma alpha-tocopherol < 2.2 indicates a risk for Vit E deficiency.
