Information about Vitamin E
Introduction
Vitamin E is categorised as a fat-soluble vitamin along with vitamins A, D and K. It is distinct for its antioxidant properties and comes in eight different forms called ‘isomers.’ These include the alpha, beta, gamma, delta tocopherol and the alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienol.
Alpha-tocopherol is vitamin E’s most active form in humans. The required dosage and daily allowance recommendations are obtained in International Units or IU, indicated in food and supplement labels. Vitamins E supplements exist in natural and synthetic forms. Natural forms are marked with the letter “d” whilst the synthetic forms are identified with the letters “dl”. The synthetic form of vitamin E, however, has only half the potency of its natural form.
Research and studies have suggested the role of vitamin E for prevention and treatment of various health conditions and diseases. Nevertheless, there is yet no clinical proof of the medicinal use of vitamin E supplements more than the recommended daily allowance.
Functions of Vitamin E
Vitamin E works in numerous ways and benefits the human body, mainly because of its antioxidant property that acts on the body’s cellular level. The following are said to be the functions of vitamin E:
Vitamin E is believed to have great benefits for the skin. Because of its antioxidant activity, it serves to protect skin cells from UV light and other elements called free radicals that cause cell damage. Thus, it is also known for its anti-aging benefit.
Vitamin E also increases and regulates vitamin A levels in the body by protecting it, along with other fatty acids from oxidising in the cells.
Vitamin E is essential for sun protection and is also utilised for treatment of skin burns, skin diseases such as psoriasis and erythema and is said to aid in the prevention of skin cancer.
Vitamin E has a vital role with regards to red blood cells. It mainly helps in the synthesis or production of haemoglobin, an important red blood cell component. It also has a protective action on red blood cells, due to the fact that these cells age and becomes less filterable after some time. So aside from production of red blood cells, it is also responsible for maintaining normal cell structure and function.
Based on preliminary studies, vitamin E is said to help prevent or treat diseases such as eye tissue inflammations and cataracts; rheumatoid arthritis, muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome; neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; asthma; diabetes and diabetes-related complications; heart and cardiovascular diseases by promoting good circulation; and certain cancers like prostate and breast cancer by enhancing the body’s immune functions.
Vitamin E is also considered essential for fertility and reproduction. Some studies show that vitamin E prevents or treats low sperm count in men and menstrual pain in women. It has also been known to limit the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol or ‘bad’ cholesterol which eventually prevents atherosclerosis and heart attack. It may also prevent body tissue breakdown while also helping the body in utilising vitamin K.
Deficiency Conditions
Vitamin E deficiency is a rare occurrence. There are conditions that would lead to vitamin E deficiency but would not occur as a result of the deficiency itself. The inability to absorb dietary fat due to the lack of ability for bile secretion or a rare fat metabolism disorders like cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease, Crohn’s disease and gallbladder disease can cause vitamin E deficiency.
People with genetic abnormalities affecting the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein such as ataxia and vitamin E deficiency or AVED. Severe malnutrition, premature or low birth weight infants weighing less than 3 pounds or 1500 grams. Conditions seen in these infants like necrotising enterocolitis can lead to vitamin E deficiency.
Deficiency Symptoms in Adults and Children
Symptoms and signs of vitamin E deficiency in adults would vary depending on the severity and the condition that caused the deficiency. Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Lethargy or apathy
Presence of brown fat deposits in the organs
Poor concentration and irritability
Lack of vitality and interest in physical activities
Chest pain, increased blood pressure and heart palpitations
Conditions like indigestion
Decreased libido
Neurological problems and muscle weakness
Peripheral neuropathy symptoms like pain tingling or loss of sensation
Premature aging
Age spots or brown skin pigmentations
In patients with fat malabsorption disorders and severe vitamin E deficiency, symptoms can include:
· Chronic diarrhoea
· Retinal degeneration resulting to blindness
· Greasy stools
· Weakness of the muscles
· Poor nerve impulse transmission, peripheral neuropathy and ataxia
In premature infants and children, vitamin E deficiency can result in symptoms like:
Oedema or water retention
Haemolytic Anaemia wherein the red blood cells become fragile and then rupture
Irritability
Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin E
The RDAs or recommended daily allowance for vitamin E are based on the alpha-tocopherol form or vitamin E. Specific recommendations would depend on age, gender, and factors such as pregnancy. The following specifies the required daily intake of vitamin E:
for infants 0-6 months, 4mg/day
for infants 7-12 months5mg/day;
children 1-3 years old, 6 mg/day;
children 4-8 years of age, 7 mg/day;
for males and females aged 9-13, 11mg/day; and 15 mg/day for males and females 14 years old and up.
Pregnant women are recommended to have 15mg/day of vitamin E whilst lactating mothers are required to have a higher dose of 19 mg/day of vitamin E.
Food Sources of Vitamin E
There are numerous food sources for vitamin E. Vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables and cereals are common sources. The following are said to be the best sources of vitamin E:
Wheat germ and wheat germ oil
Corn
Nuts such as almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts
Sunflower seeds
Olives
Spinach, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables
Asparagus
Vegetable oils like corn, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed oils
Fruits like kiwi and mango
Fortified cereals
Requirement for Increased Amounts
There are conditions wherein an increased amount of vitamin E intake is needed. Patients with Crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis are often given vitamin E supplements. Water-soluble form of vitamin E is usually given to patients having the inability to secrete bile. Those with ataxia and vitamin E deficiency or AVED are prescribed with supplements to enable them to walk and do daily activities. Infants deficient in vitamin E are given under the care of neonatologists to administer nutritional needs of infants.
Drug Interactions with Vitamin E
Several prescription medications that can alter the body’s supply or level of vitamin E absorption include:
Anticonvulsant drugs like Dilantin
Cholesterol-lowering drugs like Probucol and Clofibrate
Antacids
Anti-coagulants like Warfarin and Coumarin
Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Iron supplements
Sucralfate
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