Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient which is used by the body primarily as an antioxidant used to protect cell membranes and other high lipid structures. Vitamin E also acts as a regulator for a few different systems in the body and has a direct impact on the levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin C in the body. Vitamin E is found in many types of food including most fruits and vegetables along with milk, eggs, vegetables oils. Processing and cooking can greatly reduce the amount of Vitamin E found in the food source, so raw fruits and vegetables are generally the best food source. The functions performed by Vitamin E are accomplished easily by the amount of Vitamin E found in normal diets. Supplementation is generally not needed unless there is a medical condition preventing the nutrient from being absorbed properly in the digestive system.
One of the most important function of Vitamin E is it’s role as an antioxidant which is used by the body to protect cell membranes. Free radicals are chemicals that are very reactive and can result in cell death or cancer. Antioxidants are used to neutralize free radicals and protect the integrity of the cell membrane. This is especially important in Red Blood Cells which are very susceptible to destruction by free radicals. A deficiency of Vitamin E can cause excessive destruction of the RBC’s which results in anemia.
Vitamin E is also necessary for the health of nerve cells. Similar to cell membranes, Vitamin E also protects the layer of insulation surrounding sections of nerve cells. Without this protection, nerve damage can result. When this happens, different things can happen depending on the location of the nerve cells. When it occurs in the body, there is generally a loss of muscle control and coordination called Ataxia. A Vitamin E deficiency can also cause problems with vision, and in severe cases, blindness.
Vitamin E is also very important in the regulation of blood clotting and scar tissue. Vitamin E has long been known to drastically help the healing of wounds and the removal of scar tissue after it has served it’s purpose. It is important to note that because of Vitamin E’s function in the prevention of excessive blood clotting, taking large doses of Vitamin E like found in most supplements can cause increased hemorrhaging, bruising, and increased chances for a stroke to occur.
Vitamin E has also been shown to decrease mental deterioration as we age. This is related to it’s role as an antioxidant which can slow the rate of cell death. As we age, we are less able to absorb nutrients from our digestive tracts, which can lead to deficiencies that result in nerve cell death, especially in the brain.
Vitamin E performs many functions in the body that mainly revolve around protecting high lipid structures from free radicals. This is very important in nerve cells including those in the body, the eyes, and the brain. This protection function of Vitamin E is also important for Red Blood Cells as they are easily destroyed in the bloodstream. Finally, Vitamin E is an important part of the control of both clotting and scar tissue formation and removal. Vitamin E can be found in large amounts in raw vegetables and deficiencies are only seen in people with certain diseases that affect digestion.
