Vitamin E
Chemical
formula/structure
C26H44O2
http://chemistry.about.com/library/graphics/blvitamine.htm
Natural
Sources of this nutrient in foods
It is found in oilseeds such
as canola, soybean, corn, safflower and cottonseed; and to a lesser degree in
eggs, whole grain cereals, and butter.
http://www.medicinalfoodnews.com/vol01/issue6/vegyoils.htm
http://www.thebody.com/jossey/romeyn.html
How it
is used by the body
Vitamin EÕs antioxidant
properties serve to protect and stabilize cell membranes. It is an integral part of cellular membranes whose main
role is to defend the cell against oxidation. Within cells and organelles (e.g.
mitochondria) vitamin E is the first line of defense against lipid
peroxidation. The vitamin also plays a very important function in lending red
blood cells (RBC) flexibility as they make their way through the arterial
network. It is also thought to increase AZT's (an antiviral drug prescribed for the treatment of
AIDS) an antiviral drug prescribed for
the treatment of AIDS effectiveness in
fighting the virus. And, in the presence of HIV infection, vitamin E intake may
decrease the speed of progression to AIDS. Its supplementation has also been
shown to increase cell-mediated immunity in healthy elderly people. Basically,
Vitamin E slows the growth of a virus.
http://www.thebody.com/jossey/romeyn.html
http://www.exrx.net/Nutrition/Antioxidants/VitaminE.html
Effects
if this Nutrient is not present
Effects of vitamin E
deficiency include peripheral neuropathy, poor position sense and balance, and
a reduction in knee-jerk and other reflexes. Deficiency of this vitamin alone
in those who are not HIV positive can result in the same immune system
abnormalities found in people with HIV infection.
Low levels of vitamin E have
been found to correlate with the presence of HIV along with other infections.
http://www.thebody.com/jossey/romeyn.html
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