Vitamin E (fat souble)

Question 1

what is the compound vitamin E also called?

Answer 1

Tocopherois

Question 2

What are good soirces of Vitamin E

Answer 2

wheat germ, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, margarine and egg yolk

Question 3

What are the functions of Vitamin E

Answer 3

𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭 - in vegetable oils it helps to reduce rancidity by preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids.
𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐝 (vitamin C) against oxidation in fruits and vegetables.
𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐭- substances known as free radicals which are produced as a result of normal chemical reactions in the body, can damage lipids found in cell membranes. The free radicals oxidise the lipids forming peroxides. This lipid peroxidation can cause damage to the cell membranes and leaking of all cell contents which in turn is though to increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Peroxides may also play a part in the formation of ‘plaque’ in artery walls which can lead to coronary heart disease. Vitamin E protects lipids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), against free radical damage.
Can Also
- regulate the nervous system and help fertility
- necessary for metabolism
- promote heathy skin

Question 4

What does the amount of vitamin E needed depend on?

Answer 4

The amount of vitamin E required in the diet depends on the amount of 𝐏𝐔𝐅𝐀 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬, the more PUFA eaten the more vitamin E is needed. Fortunately, foods rich in PUFA are usually also good sources of vitamin E.

Question 5

Why would a deficiency occur?

Answer 5

Deficiency of vitamin E does not normally occur in humans though it has occurred in 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 that fed on infant formula deficient in vitamin E. It also has occurred in somme people with 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 and rare genetic disorders. With regards to excess, humans can tolerate high levels but extreme doses could have a negative effect on other fat-souble vitamins.