Vitamin E–Health Facts of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient(vitamin), composed of a group of eight compounds - four tocopherols and four tocotrienols named after the first 4 letters of the Greek alphabet (alpha, beta, gamma, delta).
Each member of the entire group has varying degrees of biological activity with RRR isomer of alpha-tocopherol the most active form. Alpha-tocopherol is the form found in nature and in varying amounts in supplements.
Most, if not all of the functions of vitamin E related to its role as an antioxidant that prevents the propagation of free radicals. It prevents polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A from breaking down and combining with other substances that may become harmful to the body. Complex B vitamins and vitamin C are also protected from oxidation when vitamin E is present in the digestive tract. Fats and oils when contain vitamin E are far less susceptible to rancidity than those devoid of vitamin E.
Vitamin E absorption depends on total absorption of dietary fat and it is via the small intestine where it is transported as tocopherol to the liver to be stored. It is also stored in the fatty tissues of the heart, muscles, blood, testes, uterus, adrenal and pituitary glands. Excretion is via the urine and bile. Chlorine in drinking water, inorganic iron compounds and rancid oils or fats destroy vitamin E in the body. Intake of the female hormone estrogen is a vitamin E antagonist. The best time to take vitamin E for better absorption is just before meal time. The consumption of large amounts of polyunsaturated fats in the diet increases the oxidation rate of vitamin E. The more unsaturated fats in the diet the more vitamin E is necessary.
Daily exposure to oxidizing agents is part of life and living and for a large part essential, but the body must be in a position to regulate exposure and able to avoid the undesirable effects. This task has been assigned to various antioxidants such as vitamin E. When vitamin E is not available to do its job, electron seeking compounds in the body grab electrons from DNA, cell membranes and other cell compounds, causing cells to die and alter DNA structures. If this oxidation process goes unchecked it promotes premature ageing and disease.
Vitamin E Its Role and Benefits
Vitamin E plays an essential role in cellular respiration of all muscles especially skeletal and cardiac muscles. It makes it possible for those muscles to function in less oxygenated tissue environment, dilate blood vessels that promote a better blood flow and prevent clots from forming. Also a large number of studies, the last decade, directly and indirectly address the relationship between chronic disease and other medical conditions with vitamin E. A medical Condition that may be caused by vitamin E deficiency is: Hemolytic anemia; breakdown of red blood cells.
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