Benefits of Vitamin E, Sources & Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E is the generic name for “tocopherol” and is available in four different forms. It is a fat soluble antioxidant, which can be obtained only as a food supplement. The most widely known health benefits of vitamin E are protection against toxins such as air pollution, premenstrual syndrome, eye disorders such as cataracts, neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Longer Cell Life

You’ve probably seen rust on your bike or car. A similar process of oxidation and accelerated aging takes place in your body when cells are exposed to molecules called free radicals. Free radicals weaken and break down healthy cells and may contribute to heart disease and cancer.

These molecules form as a result of normal body processes and cause damage that shortens the life of your cells. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce free radical damage, slowing the aging process of your cells.

• As an antioxidant, vitamin E acts as a peroxyl radical scavenger, preventing the propagation of free radicals in tissues, by reacting with them to form a tocopheryl radical, which will then be reduced by a hydrogen donor (such as vitamin C) and thus return to its reduced state. As it is fat-soluble, it is incorporated into cell membranes, which protects them from oxidative damage. Vitamin E has also found use as a commercial antioxidant in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in hip and knee replacements, to help resist oxidation. 
• As an enzymatic activity regulator, for instance, protein kinase C (PKC), which plays a role in smooth muscle growth, can be inhibited by α-tocopherol. α-Tocopherol has a stimulatory effect on the dephosphorylation enzyme, protein phosphatase 2A, which in turn, cleaves phosphate groups from PKC, leading to its deactivation, bringing the smooth muscle growth to a halt. 
• Vitamin E also has an effect on gene expression. Macrophages rich in cholesterol are found in the atherogenetic tissue. Scavenger receptor CD36 is a class B scavenger receptor found to be up-regulated by oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) and binds it. Treatment with α-tocopherol was found to downregulate the expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor gene and the scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) and modulates expression of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The CTGFgene, when expressed, is responsible for the repair of wounds and regeneration of the extracellular tissue lost or damaged during atherosclerosis. 
• Vitamin E also plays a role in neurological functions, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Vitamin E also protects lipids and prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. 

Source- Wikipedia

Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency 

Vitamin E Deficiency Symptoms in Infants

•Loss of weight and delayed growth

•Poor eating habits

•Developmental problems that include physical and mental problems 

•Retrolental fibroplasia (an eye disease)

Vitamin E Deficiency Symptoms in Children

•Chronic liver disease, causing neurological deficits

•Gross lack of coordination of muscle movements with loss of deep tendon reflexes

•Truncal and limb ataxia

•Loss of vibration and position senses

•Paralysis of extra-ocular muscles responsible for eye movements

•Muscle weakness

•Ptosis (drooping upper eyelid)

•Dysarthria (motor speech disorder)

Deficiency of Vitamin E Symptoms in Adults

•Mild anemia

•Nonspecific neurological deficits

•Disorders related to reproduction and infertility

•Fragile red blood cells

•Age spots

•Cataracts

•Certain neurological damage

•Decrease in sex drive

• Muscle, liver, bone marrow and brain function abnormalities

Source-www.newsmax.com

Vitamin E Enriched Food or Sources of Vitamin E

                                                          

Almonds:-Almonds are one the best vitamin E foods. Just an ounce of almonds offers a whopping 7.4 milligrams of vitamin E. 

Raw Seeds:-Select raw seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin and sesame, are another common food with vitamin E. 

Swiss Chard:- Swiss chard is easily one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat on a daily basis. Commonly known to be high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C, Swiss chard is another food high in vitamin E. 

Mustard Greens:- Similar to swiss chard, mustard greens are very nutrient dense and will provide a variety of health benefits. Not only are they one of the best vitamin E foods, but mustard greens are also high in vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, and vitamin c.

Avocado:- Perhaps one of the tastiest foods with Vitamin E, avocados represent nature’s creamiest, oil-rich food. Just half of an avocado holds more than 2 mg of vitamin E. 

Broccoli:-For generations now, broccoli has been considered one of the best detox foods, but it’s also one of the healthiest foods high in Vitamin E. Just one cup of steamed broccoli will provide you with 4% of your daily requirements. 

Olives:- From the oil to the fruit, eating olives is an excellent way of getting your daily needs for vitamin E. Just one cup of olives can give you approximately 20% of your daily recommended amount.

Source- http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/