The physiological function of vitamin E

Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin, mainly in vegetables, legumes among the most abundant wheat germ oil. Naturally occurring vitamin E are eight kinds, both benzo-dihydro-pyran derivatives, based on their chemical structure can be divided into tocopherols and tocotrienols two categories (Figure 12), each category can be under the methyl the number and different positions, is divided into α-, β-, γ-and δ-four kinds. Vitamin E products to α-tocopherol, the highest physiological activity. β-and γ-tocopherol and α-tocotrienols α-physiological activity of only 40%, 8% and 20%. Vitamin E as a pale yellow viscous oil microstrip tilting, in anaerobic conditions, more stable, even when heated to above 200 ℃ not been destroyed. However, vitamin E in the air can easily be oxidized, the color become darker. Vitamin E easy-to-oxidation, and it could protect other easily oxidized substances (such as vitamin A and unsaturated fatty acids, etc.) are not destroyed. Vitamin E in food animals, mainly in the upper small intestine absorption in the blood mainly by the β-lipoprotein carrying, transport to various organizations. Isotope tracer experiments show that, α-tocopherol in the organization can be oxidized into α-tocopherol quinone. The latter then revert to the α-tocopherol hydroquinone, may in the liver with glucuronic acid combined with bile into the intestine, through the fecal discharge. The metabolism of other vitamins E and α-tocopherol is similar. Vitamin E is essential for fertility in animal models. A lack of vitamin E, the male testes degradation, can not form a normal sperm; female embryos and placenta were absorbed contraction will cause miscarriage. Animals deficient in vitamin E may also occur muscular atrophy, anemia, brain softening, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If it is accompanied by protein deficiency, it will cause acute liver cirrhosis. Although these metabolic mechanism of disease has not been fully clarified, but the various functions of vitamin E, might have its anti-oxidative effects.

Some of the symptoms of human and animal diseases, a lack of vitamin E, similar to the symptoms. As the vitamin E content of food products in general are still full, easy to absorb, and therefore less prone to vitamin E deficiency, found only in incomplete intestinal absorption of lipids. Vitamin E in clinical trials of its broader scope and found that prevention and treatment of certain diseases have a certain role, such as anemia, animals, atherosclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral edema, male or female sterility, threatened abortion, etc., in recent years has with vitamin E to prevent aging. Vitamin E in 1922 by the United States of America chemist Evans found in the oil and malt extract, 40 years of this century has been able to synthetic. 1960, China has been able to mass production. It is odorless, tasteless liquid, insoluble in water, soluble in ether and other organic solvents. It is more stable chemical properties, can be heat-resistant, acid and alkali, but susceptible to UV damage, and therefore kept in brown bottle. Vitamin E is an excellent anti-oxidants in the human body, the human body without it, both men and women unable to bear children, will suffer from severe muscular dystrophy, nerve numbness psychosis. Vitamin E is widely present in meat, vegetables, vegetable oil, usually, people are not lacking.

The daily demand: adult daily requirement of vitamin E is not yet clear, but animal testing results show that the daily diet of 50 mg can meet their needs. Pregnancy and lactation requirements slightly. 4 spoons sunflower oil, 100 mg olive oil, 100 grams of peanuts or 30 grams of almonds a day plus 70 grams of walnuts contain the necessary vitamins E.

Effect: Vitamin E can resist the free radicals to prevent cancer, myocardial infarction. In addition, it involved the formation of antibodies, is the real "future generations of supporters." It promotes dynamic men produce sperm. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant, vitamin E can cause insufficient supply of a variety of mental retardation or emotional disorder. Wheat germ, cottonseed, soybean oil, sesame oil, corn oil, peas, sweet potatoes, eggs and butter with vitamin E rich.

Side effects: a daily intake of 200 milligrams of vitamin E appears nausea, muscle atrophy, headache and fatigue and other symptoms. Daily intake of more than 300 milligrams of vitamin E can cause high blood pressure, slow wound healing, thyroid function is limited.