Vitamin E PDF

Biochemistry Vitamin E 1- The term vitamin E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherol (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and 4 tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) that have varying levels of biological activity. 2- They have a chromane ring...

Biochemistry Vitamin E 1- The term vitamin E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherol (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and 4 tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) that have varying levels of biological activity. 2- They have a chromane ring system, with an isoprenoid side chain. 3- Of these, alpha tocopherol (5, 7, 8-trimethyl tocol) is the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the blood and tissue and has greatest biological activity. Tocopherol Tocotrienol Function of Vitamin E 1-Vitamin E is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant. It acts by neutralizing free radicals in the body that cause tissue and cellular damage; protects unsaturated fatty acids present in cellular membranes and circulating lipoproteins from peroxidation reaction. Free radical is an atom or a molecule that has at least one unpaired electron in its outer orbital, therefore it becomes unstable and highly reactive and stabilizes itself by stealing an electron from other molecule & causes damage to cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure. In the body it is an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron In this respect vitamin E serve the following: a. Protects RBC from hemolysis: by preventing the peroxidation, vitamin E keeps the structural and functional integrity of all cells. b. Prevent oxidation of LDL- cholesterol since the oxidized form of LDL is atherogenic 2- Boosts immune response. 3- Promotes healthy skin and hair and prevents age spots (liver spots); it retards cellular aging due to oxidation. 4- Improves muscle strength. 5. Enhances hem synthesis by increasing the level of delta aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase and ALA dehydratase 6- Reduces the incidence of cancer risk (prevent or slow the progression of cancer). A. Helps to protect against damaging effect of free radicals to DNA. B. Block the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens formed in the stomach from nitrites in the diet. C. By enhancing immune function. Clinical Manifestations of Vitamin E Deficiency Vitamin E deficiency has been shown to produce:  Increased fragility of RBCs and decreased RBCs survival time  Muscular weakness.  It causes nerve problems due to changes in nerve membrane structure and function.