Vitamin E Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 8 Vitamin E compounds?
A
- 4 tocopherols ( alpha, beta, gamma, delta)
- 4 tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta)
They all have varying degrees of bioactivity
The body’s most preferred form is alpha tocopherol
Natural form is more potent that synthetic form
2
Q
How is Vitamin E absorbed?
A
Absorbed passively
Amount absorbed depends on how much fat is eaten with it, ranges from 20-70%
3
Q
How is Vitamin E transported around the body?
A
- Via micelles into the enterocyte
- Via chylomicrons through the lymphatic system
- Via lipoproteins from the liver to the cells
4
Q
Where is Vitamin E stored in the body?
A
90% in adipose tissue
5
Q
How is Vitamin E excreted from the body?
A
Urine, bile and skin
6
Q
What are the functions of Vitamin E?
A
- Main function is as an antioxidant and preventing the propagation of free radicals
- Alpha tocopherol stabilises peroxyl radicals by donating an electron, and prevent the lipid oxidation chain reaction
7
Q
What causes Vitamin E deficiency?
A
- malabsorption
- increased requirements for smokers
- genetic defects of transporters
8
Q
What are the risks of Vitamin E toxicity?
A
High doses of vitamin E interfere with the clotting ability of Vitamin K and so causes blood thinning and risk of haemorrhages
9
Q
What are good sources of Vitamin E?
A
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocado
- Almonds
