Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, and refers to a group of 8 compounds made up of tocotrienols
and tocopherols. It is most abundant in nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds and almonds.
Its primary function in the body is to act as an antioxidant, and embeds itself into
the cell membrane where it can protect the cell from oxidative stress. Vitamin E can
be recycled by vitamin C, allowing one molecule of vitamin E to continuously offer protection
to the cells.
Vitamin E is also involved in gene expression and protection of neurological function. Neurological
protection is largely attributed to the sub-group tocotrienols, and protection from oxidative
stress is mainly attributed to tocopherols.
As vitamin E is fat soluble, it can be stored by the body, and so there is less emphasis
on the need for a regular supply.
As the body can store vitamin E, deficiency is very rare, and is characterised by neurological
dysfunction and a weak immune system.
Over dosages are also very rare and extreme dosages are required, and the symptoms include
poor blood clotting.
For more information on vitamin E, please follow the link in the description.
