The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases

Abstract

Vitamin E is the major lipid-soluble component in the cell antioxidant defence system and is exclusively obtained from the diet. It has numerous important roles within the body because of its antioxidant activity. Oxidation has been linked to numerous possible conditions and diseases, including cancer, ageing, arthritis and cataracts; vitamin E has been shown to be effective against these. Platelet hyperaggregation, which can lead to atherosclerosis, may also be prevented by vitamin E; additionally, it also helps to reduce the production of prostaglandins such as thromboxane, which cause platelet clumping. The current literature review discusses the functions and roles of vitamin E in human health and some diseases as well as the consequences of vitamin E deficiency. The main focus of the review is on the tocopherol class of the vitamers.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Health; Tocopherols; Vitamin E.

Figure 1:

The structures of a tocopherol and tocotrienol. Adapted from: Colombo ML. An update on vitamin E, tocopherol and tocotrienol: Perspectives.

Figure 2:

The mechanism of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)-mediated low-density lipoprotein lipid peroxidation. Adapted from: Rathore GS, Suthar M, Pareek A, Gupta RN. Nutritional antioxidants: A battle for better health.