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Vitamin E

Table of Contents

  1. Vitamin E: Everything You Need to Know
    1. What is Vitamin E?
    2. History of Vitamin E
    3. Chemistry of Vitamin E
    4. Pharmacology of Vitamin E
    5. Positive Effects of Vitamin E
    6. Negative Effects of Vitamin E
    7. Usage of Vitamin E
    8. Combinations with Vitamin E
    9. Warnings about Vitamin E
    10. References

Vitamin E: Everything You Need to Know

 

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that play a crucial role in maintaining good health. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to various diseases. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of vitamin E, including its history, chemistry, pharmacology, positive and negative effects, usage, combinations, and warnings.

 

What is Vitamin E?

 

Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble vitamins, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. These compounds are essential for the proper functioning of the body and can be found in a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and vegetable oils.

 

History of Vitamin E

 

The discovery of vitamin E can be traced back to the early 1920s when researchers were studying the effects of feeding rats a diet lacking in fat. The rats developed reproductive problems, which were eventually linked to a lack of vitamin E. In 1936, the first pure form of vitamin E was isolated from wheat germ oil, and it was named "tocopherol," which means "to bear offspring" in Greek.

 

Chemistry of Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is made up of a chromanol ring and a long hydrophobic side chain. The chromanol ring is responsible for the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, while the side chain determines the vitamin's solubility in fat. The eight different forms of vitamin E differ in the number and position of methyl groups on the chromanol ring.

 

Pharmacology of Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the liver, where it is packaged into lipoprotein particles and transported to other tissues. Once in the tissues, vitamin E works as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage. Vitamin E also plays a role in the immune system, cell signaling, and gene expression.

 

Positive Effects of Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E has been linked to numerous health benefits, including:

 

1. Protection against oxidative stress: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

2. Immune system support: Vitamin E helps support the immune system by protecting the thymus gland, which is responsible for producing immune cells.

3. Skin health: Vitamin E has been shown to improve skin health by reducing the effects of aging, sun damage, and inflammation.

4. Eye health: Vitamin E may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

 

Negative Effects of Vitamin E

 

While vitamin E is generally safe, taking high doses of vitamin E supplements can lead to negative effects, including:

 

1. Increased bleeding: Vitamin E can interfere with blood clotting, leading to increased bleeding and bruising.

2. Nausea and diarrhea: High doses of vitamin E can cause gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

3. Headaches: Some people may experience headaches after taking high doses of vitamin E supplements.

 

Usage of Vitamin E

 

The recommended daily intake of vitamin E is 15 mg for adults, and it can be easily obtained through a healthy diet that includes foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and spinach. Vitamin E supplements are also available and can be used to treat conditions such as vitamin E deficiency and certain genetic disorders that impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

 

Combinations with Vitamin E

 

Vitamin E can be combined with other vitamins and minerals to improve its effectiveness, including vitamin C, which enhances the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, and

selenium, which works with vitamin E to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage.

 

Warnings about Vitamin E

 

It's important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking vitamin E supplements, especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders, diabetes, or heart disease. High doses of vitamin E can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and may increase the risk of bleeding. Vitamin E supplements may also interact with other dietary supplements, including iron and vitamin K.

 

References

 

1. Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/.

2. Traber MG, Atkinson J. Vitamin E, antioxidant and nothing more. Free Radic Biol Med. 2007;43(1):4-15. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.03.024

3. Moriguchi S, Muraga M. Vitamin E and immunity. Vitam Horm. 2000;59:305-336. doi:10.1016/s0083-6729(00)59011-0

4. Balz Frei. Vitamin E: Controversies and Unresolved Issues. Nutr Rev. 2007;65(5):183-189. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2007.tb00295.x

5. Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academies Press, 2000.

 

This article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advise. You can find similar articles to this one in our encyclopedia. Did you enjoy reading this article and do you like to write? If so, we are looking for writers.

Updated on 29 Apr 2023