Vitamin E Kar Yi Lim, Vivian Lin, Chan Park, Edmond Tai

A Little About Vitamin E... Vitamin E is not a single substance but rather a family of fat soluble vitamins. tocopherols: alpha tocopherol, beta tocopherol, gamma tocopherol, and delta tocopherol tocotrienols: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocotrienol Each vitamin has a specific function in the body.

Food Sources of Vitamin E Asparagus Avocado Eggs Milk Nuts, such as almonds and hazelnuts Seeds Spinach and other green leafy vegetables Unheated vegetable oils Wheat germ Wholegrain foods

Functions in the Body Protects your skin from ultraviolet light which promotes healthy skin and slows down the aging of skin Acts like an antioxidant and prevents cell damage from free radicals o Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that can damage cellular components such as DNA or parts of cells. Prevents oxidative stress [when oxygen containing molecules become too reactive] by preventing oxygen molecules from being too reactive Allows your cells to communicate effectively through a process called "cell signaling" Helps protect against prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease

Who People more than 55 years of age Very low birth weight infants Those who abuse alcohol and other drugs Those with: o cystic fibrosis o celiac disease o hyperthyroidism o malnutrition o liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic disease

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamin E: Infants, 0-6 months: 4 milligrams Infants, 7-12 months: 5 milligrams Males and females, 1-3 years: 6 milligrams Males and females, 4-8 years: 7 milligrams Males and females, 9-13 years: 11 milligrams Males and females, 14 years and older: 15 milligrams Pregnant females, 18 years and older: 15 milligrams Lactating females, 18 years and older : 19 milligrams

Deficiency Symptoms and Effects Difficult to pinpoint deficiency in Vitamin E Fat malabsorption disorders are more likely to become deficient o The digestive tract requires fat to absorb vitamin E Problems that can arise from lack of Vitamin E are pancreatic disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and celiac disease. Peripheral Neuropathy: people who lack Vitamin E may experience problems in their nervous system

Deficiency Symptoms and Effects cont. Patients with Vitamin E deficiency may show signs and symptoms of hyporeflexia that progress to ataxia, including limitations in upward gaze. Patients with severe, prolonged vitamin E deficiency may develop complete blindness, cardiac arrhythmia, and dementia. Patients may present with profound muscle weakness and visual-field constriction.

Toxicity Symptoms Having too much Vitamin E can also be a problem. If taken in excess amounts [3000 IU+] people may experience intestinal cramps and diarrhea, fatigue, double vision, and muscle weakness.

Bibliography supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp 3.