Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body.
It is actually two sets of four compounds each, the tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and the chemically related tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta).
Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. It is the major lipid soluble found in cells.
The alpha-tocopherol form is the one found in the largest quantities in human blood and tissue. Small amounts of the gamma from are also found.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect body cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Vitamin E serves as one of the body’s chief defenses against damage by free radicals.
Most notably, vitamin E prevents the oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, but is protects other lipids and related components (e.g. vitamin A) as well.
Research and the clinical experiences of physician show beyond a doubt that vitamin E is good for the heart. The role of vitamin E as a heart protector has been building for decades.
However, of low vitamin E intake may enhance the effect of selenium deficiency, which is associated with increased risk of fatal cancer.
Roles of Vitamin E
Vitamins are defined as a group of complex organic compounds present in minute amounts in natural foodstuff that are essential to normal metabolism and lack of which in the diet causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are required in trace amounts (micrograms to milligrams per day) in the diet for health, growth and reproduction.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Most Popular Articles
-
Absorption and Transport of Thiamin The bioavailability of thiamin occurring naturally in foods is believed to be high. Foods containing the...
-
Pantothenic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes essential for human health. It is indispe...
-
Vitamins are vital for human growth, maintenance, and overall health. The following list encompasses essential vitamins: Vitamin B1 (Thiami...
-
β-carotene, a pivotal precursor to vitamin A, holds a profound significance in the realm of nutrition and biochemistry. Its narrative unfold...
-
Vitamin A deficiency may seem like a distant concern in developed nations like the United States, but it remains a pervasive issue in many p...
Articles around the world
-
-
-
Fish spoilage is a significant concern in the seafood industry, primarily driven by three fundamental mechanisms: enzymatic autolysis, oxidation, and micro...