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Fat Soluble Vitamins: Vitamin E and its Biochemical role along with Deficiency and Toxicity (Hypervitaminosis E)
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
- The active form of Vitamin is known as Tocopherol.
- It was first isolated from wheat germ cell.
- It consists of a chromane ring (tocol) system, with a isoprenoid side chain.Vitamin E consists of 8 naturally occurring tocopherols.Out of these Alpha tocopherol is the most active.
Biochemical Role of Vitamin E
- Vitamin E is considered the most Powerful Anti Oxidant in nature.
- It protects plasma membranes from damage by free radicals.
- It protects RBC hemolysis (structural and functional integrity of all cells)
- It slows down the aging process.
- Vitamin E boosts up the immune system.
- It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (by reducing oxidation of LDL).
- It also acts synergistically with selenium.
Relationship of Vitamin E with Selenium
- Selenium is present in Glutathione peroxidase which is an important enzyme that oxidizes and destroys the free radicals produced in the body.
- Selenium has been found to decrease the requirement of Vitamin E and vice versa.
- Vitamin E and Selenium act synergistically to minimize lipid peroxidation.
Deficiency of Vitamin E
- No major disease states have been found to be associated with Vitamin E deficiency due to adequate levels in the average diet.
- Vitamin E deficiency is seen in persons:
- FOR FULL LESSON GO TO BIOCHEMISTRY I
Hypervitamonosis E (Toxicity)
FOR FULL LESSON GO TO HOME PAGE, CLICK BIOCHEMISTRY I AND THEN VITAMINS. IN VITAMINS CLICK CURRICULUM TO VIEW THE FULL LIST OF LESSONS