Prevent Free Radical Damage With Vitamin E
Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical action, not their structure. Thus, each “vitamin” may refer to several vitamer compounds that all show the biological activity associated with a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin “generic descriptor” title, such as “vitamin A,” which includes the compounds retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-converted in the body.
Until the 1900s, vitamins were obtained solely through food intake, and changes in diet (which, for example, could happen during a particular growing season) can alter the types and amounts of vitamins ingested. Vitamins have been produced as commodity chemicals and made widely available as inexpensive pills for several decades, allowing supplementation of the dietary intake.
The term vitamin E d-alpha describes a family of eight antioxidants: four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-). Alpha-tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E that is actively maintained in the human body; therefore, it is the form of vitamin E found in the largest quantities in blood and tissues. Because alpha-tocopherol is the form of vitamin E that appears to have the largest nutritional significance, it will be the primary topic of the following discussion. It is also the only form that meets the latest Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E.
The main function of alpha-tocopherol in humans appears to be that of an antioxidant. Free radicals are formed primarily in the body during normal metabolism and also upon exposure to environmental factors, such as sunlight, cigarette smoke or pollutants. Fats, which are an integral component of all cell membranes, are vulnerable to destruction through oxidation by free radicals. The fat-soluble vitamin, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), is uniquely suited to intercept free radicals and thus prevent a chain reaction of lipid destruction.
Aside from defending the integrity of cell membranes throughout the body, vitamin E antioxidant also protects the fats in low density lipoproteins (LDLs) from oxidation. Lipoproteins are particles composed of lipids and proteins that transport fats through the bloodstream. LDLs specifically carry cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body. Oxidized LDLs have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (See Disease Prevention). When a molecule of alpha-tocopherol neutralizes a free radical, it is altered in such a way that its antioxidant capacity is lost. However, other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are capable of regenerating the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E.
Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in only small amounts and are available in the foods that you eat. Vitamin E prevents a chemical reaction called oxidation, which can sometimes result in harmful effects in your body. It is also important for the proper function of nerves, brain function, and muscles.
vitamin E antioxidant is available in Softgel, bulk liquid, and dry capsule forms at your local or internet health food store. When looking for a good vitamin E supplement to buy, just not any vitamin E brand will do. Look for name brands that contain only d-alpha forms of vitamin E to ensure that you receive a quality product that works.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Vitamin E is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 2:02 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.