Vitamin+E

Tin Hoang Block: E

Vitamin E Vitamin E, discovered in the mid-twentieth century, is a generic term used for a group of chemical compounds having the tocopherol and tocotrienol structures. Like Vitamin A, D and K, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be stored within the body in fatty issue. In facts, this vitamin has played a large role in strengthening our immune systems and helping protect us from variety of problem as well as several serious illnesses. It is one of the most needed organic chemical of human body. **
 * Introduction:

Structure: Vitamin E  exists in eight different forms, four tocopherols and four   tocotrienols. However, we mostly study about α-tocopherol (also written as  alpha-tocopherol) because of its highest    [|bioavailability] in the family.
 * Structure and Chemistry: **

α-tocopherol 3D version [] follow the link for an interesting flash of Vitamin E’s structure.

** Chemistry of Vitamin E  ** Tocopherols (Vitamin E) are equipped to perform a unique function. They can interrupt free radical chain reactions by capturing the free radical; this imparts to them their antioxidant properties. The free hydroxyl group on the aromatic ring is responsible for the antioxidant properties. The hydrogen from this group is donated to the free radical, resulting in a relatively stable free radical form of the vitamin. And because of this special property, Vitamin E has contained many benefits for human. ** Benefits of Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect a body against free radicals. Those radicals are unstable molecules that contain oxygen and can interaction with DNA and other molecules leading to an impaired cell function. However, Vitamin E can neutralize free radicals and therefore, is one of body’s natural defenses against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the metabolism of a body. After Vitamin E has performed its antioxidant function, it is converted from a tocopherol to a tocopherylquinone. The elimination of this end product is primarly through the feces but a small fraction is removed by urine (less than 1 percent). In order for tocopherylquinone to be excreted, it first has to be converted to tocopherylhydroquinone, a partially reduced form. This form can then combine with glucuronic acid so that it can mix with bile. Bile is removed from the body through feces. **  Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body use Vitamin K. Vitamin E improves circulation, is necessary in the pair of tissue, promotes normal blood clotting and healing, and can reduce scarring, too. For women and old adults, vitamin can helps prevent skin damage, maintains healthy nerves and muscles, promote healthy hair. So where do we find vitamin E? It is from food such as nuts (almonds), sunflower seeds, cold pressed vegetable oils, whole grains, vegetable (asparagus, avocado, spinach). There are also small quantities of this vitamin in such foods as eggs, kelp, milk, organic meats. As well as other vitamins, we can even have a supplement of vitamin E.
 * Source of Vitamin E: **

Even though Vitamin E is a super important and needed vitamin, but we should take it with caution. Vitamin E should be taken under medical supervision if we are taking blood-thinning drugs. Also remember that Vitamin E is a fat-solube vitamin, so that it will be stored fat in our body. If we had any problem about fatty issues, we would ask family’s doctor first, before taking mega-doses of vitamin E supplement. Lastly, if we are taking vitamin E, we must also take a minimum dose of zinc as well, and some supplements will include the necessary amount of zinc in the Vitamin E tablet or capsule. ** Vitamin E is an important element in our arsenal of disease-battling nutrients. Understanding benefits and drawbacks of Vitamin E, we can discover the way for healthy living. @http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_E @http://www.daily-mfg.com/news/BrochureVitaminE.pdf @http://www.uic.edu/classes/phar/phar332/Clinical_Cases/vitamin%20cases/vitamin%20E/Vitamin%20E%20intro%202.htm @http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=71
 * Drawbacks of Vitamin E:
 * Conclusion: **
 * Bibliography: **