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The E Vitamin
Vitamin E. Everybody needs
Vitamin E. This hard-working vitamin maintains a lot of your
body's tissues, like the ones in your eyes, skin, and liver. It protects your
lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. And it is important for the
formation of red blood cells. The term vitamin E describes a family of 8
antioxidants, 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. alpha-tocopherol (a-tocopherol)
is the only form of vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body and
is therefore, the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in the blood
and tissue.
Vitamin E deficiency can be seen in people unable to absorb fat
properly. Such conditions include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas),
cystic fibrosis, and biliary diseases (illnesses of the gallbladder and biliary
ducts). Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass,
abnormal eye movements, impaired vision, and unsteady gait. Eventually, kidney
and liver function may be compromised. In addition, severe vitamin E deficiency
can be associated with serial miscarriages and premature delivery in pregnant
women.
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Which foods are rich in vitamin
E?
Recommended Daily amount: Age 14 + Male: 15 mg (=22.5 IU)
Female: 15 mg (=22.5 IU)
· Whole grains, such as wheat and oats (High)
· Wheat germ (High)
· Leafy
green vegetables
· Peanuts and Almonds
· Sunflower Oil
· Mango
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