Mod 1- Vitamin E

Question 1

What is Vitamin E?

Answer 1

A group of fat-soluble antioxidants.

Question 2

What are the two subgroups of Vitamin E?

Answer 2

Tocopherols and Tocotrienols.

Question 3

Which form of Vitamin E is mainly stored and used by the body?

Answer 3

Alpha-tocopherol.

Question 4

Which form of Vitamin E meets the body’s needs and is considered active?

Answer 4

Alpha-tocopherol.

Question 5

Are other forms of Vitamin E (beta, gamma, delta) converted into alpha-tocopherol?

Answer 5

No, they are not converted into alpha-tocopherol.

Question 6

Why are other forms of Vitamin E not used by the body?

Answer 6

They are not recognised by the body’s carrier protein (α-TTP).

Question 7

What are Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for Vitamin E based on?

Answer 7

Only alpha-tocopherol, as it is the active and retained form in the body.

Question 8

What can damage Vitamin E during cooking?

Answer 8

Heat; it can cause Vitamin E to become damaged and oxidised.

Question 9

Can topical application (e.g., skincare) meet Vitamin E nutrient requirements?

Answer 9

No, Vitamin E must be obtained through the diet.

Question 10

What is one of the main roles of Vitamin E in the body?

Answer 10

It acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Question 11

How does Vitamin E protect body tissues?

Answer 11

By defending against oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Question 12

How does Vitamin E support overall health?

Answer 12

It helps maintain the health of cells, skin, and immune function.

Question 13

What type of fatty acids does Vitamin E prevent from oxidising in cell membranes?

Answer 13

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Question 14

How does Vitamin E help protect the cardiovascular system?

Answer 14

By stabilising LDL cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

Question 15

When does the body produce free radicals?

Answer 15

When it breaks down food or is exposed to stress, pollution, or UV rays.

Question 16

What are free radicals?

Answer 16

Unstable molecules that try to steal electrons from healthy cells.

Question 17

What can free radicals do to the body?

Answer 17

They can damage cells and cause oxidative stress, which may lead to illness over time.

Question 18

How do antioxidants like Vitamin E protect the body?

Answer 18

They give electrons to free radicals, stopping damage and keeping cells healthy.

Question 19

How much α-tocopherol is in 1 tablespoon of soybean oil?

Answer 19

1.2 mg α-tocopherol.

Question 20

How much α-tocopherol is in 1 tablespoon of corn, canola, or olive oil?

Answer 20

Approximately 2 mg α-tocopherol.

Question 21

Which oil provides about 5 mg of α-tocopherol per tablespoon?

Answer 21

Safflower oil.

Question 22

How much total Vitamin E is in tahini (sesame seed paste)?

Answer 22

213.6 mg of total Vitamin E.

Question 23

Do raw vegetables provide a high amount of Vitamin E?

Answer 23

No, they contain less than 1 mg of total Vitamin E.

Question 24

Is Vitamin E found in the egg yolk or egg white?

Answer 24

It is found in the egg yolk, not the egg white.

Question 25

What is the adequate intake (AI) of Vitamin E for infants aged 1–8 years?

Answer 25

4–6 mg.

Question 26

What is the AI of Vitamin E for children aged 9–18 years?

Answer 26

8–10 mg.

Question 27

What is the AI of Vitamin E for adult men?

Answer 27

10 mg.

Question 28

What is the AI of Vitamin E for adult women?

Answer 28

7 mg.

Question 29

What is the AI of Vitamin E during pregnancy?

Answer 29

7–8 mg.

Question 30

What is the AI of Vitamin E during lactation?

Answer 30

11–12 mg.

Question 31

Is Vitamin E deficiency common?

Answer 31

No, it is rare and usually linked to diseases causing fat malabsorption (e.g. cystic fibrosis).

Question 32

What happens to red blood cells in Vitamin E deficiency?

Answer 32

PUFA membranes are damaged, leading to erythrocyte haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Question 33

Why is Vitamin E deficiency often seen in premature babies?

Answer 33

Because Vitamin E transfer occurs mainly in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Question 34

What can prolonged Vitamin E deficiency cause in infants?

Answer 34

Neuromuscular dysfunction.

Question 35

What are symptoms of neuromuscular dysfunction due to Vitamin E deficiency in infants?

Answer 35

Loss of muscle coordination, impaired vision, and impaired speech.

Question 36

Is Vitamin E toxicity common?

Answer 36

No, it is rare and usually occurs with doses over 300 mg/day.

Question 37

What nutrient can very high doses of Vitamin E interfere with?

Answer 37

Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting.

Question 38

What can result from interference with Vitamin K due to high Vitamin E intake?

Answer 38

Bleeding or haemorrhage.

Question 39

How can Vitamin E toxicity affect blood clotting medications?

Answer 39

It can interfere with their effectiveness and increase the risk of bleeding.