Positive Health Online

Abstract

HERRERA and BARBAS, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnicas, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Madrid, Spain, eherrera@ceu.es, reviewed (91 references) the actions, biochemistry and metabolism of vitamin E.

Background

Naturally occurring vitamin E contains 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. The most common form found in nature is RRR-alpha-tocopherol, which has the highest biological activity . Vitamin E is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant found in the human body; however, not all its actions can be ascribed to its antioxidant effects .

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

We now know a great deal about the actions, effects and metabolism of vitamin E, although several questions still remain. For example, an understanding of how it interacts with other antioxidants may explain why foods that contain small amounts of vitamin E are more beneficial than large doses of vitamin E taken alone.

References

Herrera E, Barbas C. Vitamin E: action, metabolism and perspectives. Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry 57 (1): 43-56. Mar 2001.