Question

vitamin E

DRI Recommended Intake, upper limit

Chief functions

Symptoms & any well-known disease from deficiency

Toxicity symptoms

Major “common” American food sources

You may add other interesting information from other sources about this vitamin/mineral if you would like, but mention in your talk that it is from outside sources. This is worth up to 5pts extra credit.

Answer 1

Ans) Vit E:

The vitamin E dietary reference intake (DRI) for adult men and women (and individuals 14–18 y) was set in 2000 at a daily estimated average requirement (EAR) of 12 mg α-tocopherol and an recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 15 mg.

Chief function of Vit E:

- Stops free radicals from damaging components of the cell membranes and DNA.

- Important in the formation of red blood cells and it helps the body use vitamin K.

- Helps widen blood vessels and keep blood from clotting inside them.

- Cells use vitamin E to interact with each other and carry out many important functions.

Symptoms & well known disease from deficiency of Vit E:

- Disorientation and vision problems.

- Low levels of vitamin E can lead to: Muscle weakness

Vitamin E is essential to the central nervous system. It is among the body's main antioxidants, and a deficiency results in oxidative stress , which can lead to muscle weakness.

- The vitamin E deficiency associated with Abetalipoproteinemia- a rare inherited disorder by deficiency of dietary fat & Vit E causes problems such as poor transmission of nerve impulses and muscle weakness.

Effects of acute vitamin E toxicity includes:

• Nausea.
• Gastric distress.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Easy bruising and bleeding - Prolonged PT and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• Inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Sources of Vit E in food:

1. Plant oils
2. Cereals
3. Some fruits and vegetables
4. Eggs
5. Margarine
6. Whole grains
7. Nuts
8. Seeds