Vitamin E

Question 1

What is vitamin E also called?

Answer 1

Tocopherol

Question 2

List the properties of vitamin E

8

Answer 2

Fat soluble vitamin

Insoluble in water

Unstable in alkalis

Unstable in light

Antioxidant

Stable in acids

Heat stable even at high temperatures

Unaffected by oxygen

Question 3

List the sources of vitamin E

6

Answer 3

Nuts 
Wheat germ 
Seeds 
Avocados 
Vegetable oils 
Eggs

Question 4

List the functions of vitamin E

7

Answer 4

Powerful antioxidant

Strengthens the immune system

Improves blood clotting

Protects red and white blood cells from damage

Decreases the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome

Protects the retina of new-born babies

Reduces the onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Question 5

List the deficiency diseases associated with a lack of vitamin E
(4)

Answer 5

Eye disorders in premature babies

Anaemia

Reduced immunity

Damage to cells

Question 6

A lack of vitamin E results in eye disorders in premature babies, describe this deficiency

Answer 6

A lack of vitamin E results in eye disorders in premature babies which can cause blindness

Question 7

A lack of vitamin E results in anaemia, describe this deficiency

Answer 7

Anaemia can occur as a result of low levels of red blood cells which are needed to transport oxygen

Question 8

A lack of vitamin E results in reduced immunity, describe this deficiency

Answer 8

This is a result of low levels of white blood cells which are needed to fight infection

Question 9

A lack of vitamin E results in damaged cells, describe this deficiency

Answer 9

This is a result of free radicals which damage cells and increase the risk of some cancers, coronary heaty disease and strokes