Fat-Soluble Vitamins; Vitamin E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E

The vitamin E family consists of to subgroups __the tocopherols and the tocotrienols __each containing four members designated by letters of the Greek alphabet (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta). All consist of a complex ring structure with a long saturated (in tocopherols) or unsaturated (in tocotrienols) side chain. The positions of methyl groups (CH3) on the side chain and their chemical rotations distinguish the four members within each subgroup.

Of all the members of the vitamin E family, only alpha-tocopherol is maintained in the body and can meet the body's needs for the vitamin. The others are not converted to alpha-tocopherol in the body, nor are they recognized by its transport protein. For these reasons, the RDA is based only on alpha-tocopherol. Most vitamin E research has focused on alpha-tocopherol, but recent studies suggest that the other tocopherols and tocotrienols have unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles that better protect against chronic diseases such as cancer. In addition to preventing cancer, tocotrienols may also protect against osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders.

Vitamin E as an Antioxidant:

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant and one of the body's primary defends against the adverse effects of free radicals. Its main action is to stop the chain reaction of free radicals from producing more free radicals. In doing so, vitamin E protects the vulnerable components of the cells and their membranes from destruction. Most notably, vitamin E prevents the oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, but it protects other lipids and related compounds as well.

Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin E may reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting low density lipoproteins against oxidation and reducing inflammation. The oxidation of LDL and associated inflammation have been implicated as key factors in the development of heart disease. Vitamin E and other antioxidants might protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and explores whether foods or supplements might be most helpful _or harmful.

Vitamin E for Skin Care:

Vitamin E and Skin health

  

 Vitamin E is most commonly known for its benefits for skin health and appearance. It can be applied topically to your face to reduce inflammation and make your skin look younger. Using vitamin E oil for skin or face can help you in several different ways;

➤ Hyperpigmentation : Dark patches on your skin can be caused, which is triggered by hormones or other causes. The most effective way to use vitamin E to treat hyperpigmentation is to pair with vitamin C. 

➤ Prevents aging and wrinkles on face.

➤ Used as a treatment for acne scarring.

➤ Topical vitamin E can be used to relieve chapped, dry lips. Since vitamin E promotes cell turnover and regeneration, using it on dry lips bring new cells to the surface faster. 

➤ Vitamin E help cleanse your skin by removing impurities from and helps improve elasticity.

Food Sources:

Food sources of vitamin E

Vitamin E is widespread in foods. Fat-soluble vitamin E is found predominantly in vegetable oils, seeds, and nuts. Much of the vitamin E in the diet comes from vegetable oils and products from them, such as margarine and salad dressings. Wheat germ oil is especially rich in vitamin E. It is found in broccoli, spinach, other green vegetables, seeds such as sunflower seeds and hazelnuts, salmon and other seafoods.

Because vitamin E is readily destroyed by heat and oxidation, fresh foods are preferable sources. Most processed and convenience foods do not contribute enough vitamin E to ensure an adequate intake.

Vitamin E Deficiency:

A primary deficiency of vitamin E is rare; deficiency is usually associated with diseases of fat malabsorption such as cystic fibrosis. Without vitamin E, the red blood cells break and spill their contents as the polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes become oxidized. This classic sign of vitamin E deficiency, known as erythrocyte hemolysis, is seen in premature infants born before the transfer of vitamin E from the mother to the infant that takes place in the last weeks of pregnancy. Vitamin E treatment corrects hemolytic anemia. 

Prolonged vitamin E deficiency, as an occur with some genetic disorders, also causes neuromuscular dysfunction. Common symptoms include loss of muscle coordination and reflexes and impaired vision and speech. Vitamin E treatment helps to correct these neurological symptoms of vitamin E deficiency.

Vitamin E Toxicity:

Vitamin E supplement use has risen in recent years as its protective actions against chronic diseases have been recognized, although research shows no benefits of supplementation in healthy people. Fortunately, the liver carefully regulates vitamin E concentrations. Toxicity is rare, and vitamin E appears safe across a broad range of intakes. The UL for vitamin E is more than 65 times greater than the recommended intake for adults (15miligrams). Extremely high doses of vitamin E may interfere with the blood clotting action of vitamin  K and enhance the effects of drugs used to oppose blood clotting, causing hemorrhage.

Vitamin E Recommendation:

The RDA for vitamin E is based on the alpha-tocopherol form only. The other tocopherols and tocotrienols cannot be converted to alpha-tocopherol, nor do they perform the same metabolic roles in the body. A person who consumes large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids needs more vitamin E. Fortunately, vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to occur together in the same foods.