This document provides information on vitamin E, including its structure, functions, recommended dietary allowance, absorption, and deficiency manifestations. It notes that vitamin E was first isolated in 1936 and named tocopherol. The most biologically active form is alpha-tocopherol. It acts as an antioxidant, protects cell membranes, and works with selenium. The recommended daily intake is 15 mg or 33 IU. Vitamin E deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia and retrolental fibroplasia in premature babies.

1. Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College,
Perambalur
Assistant Professor

2. Introduction
•Evans & Bishop(1936)-isolated active
vitamin.
•Named – Tocopherol.
(Tokos : childbirth, pherein: to bring ,ol : alcohol)
•Anti-sterility vitamin.
•Naturally occurring anti-oxidant.

3. Structure And Chemistry
• Elucidated by Paul Karrer (N.P-1937).
• Derivatives of chromane (tocol) ring with
isoprenoid side chain.
• About 08 tocopherols have been identified.
• Named as – α,β,γ,δ
(On the basis of the number & position of the methyl group on the
chromane ring)

4. α-tocopherol (5,7,8 trimethyltocol) is most
active biologically.

6. Recommended Dietary Allowance
15 mg vitaminE = 33 IU.
 Males – 10mg/day.
 Females – 8mg/day.
 Pregnancy -10mg/day.
 Lactation-12mg/day.

7. Dietary vitamin E is absorbed
in the duodenum along with lipids.
It is transported to the liver
through chylomicron.
Stored in Liver and adipose tissue

8. FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN
E
•Antioxidant (most powerful natural)
• Free radical scavenger
• Protects cell membranes
• Protects LDL from oxidation
• Protection of double bonds in polyunsaturated fatty
acids
• Prevention of rancidity
• Works in conjunction with selenium

11. • Protects RBCs from hemolysis.
• Structural & functional integrity of all cells.
• Slowing down of ageing process.
• Boosts immune response.
• Reduces risk of atherosclerosis.
• Depress leucocyte oxidative bactericidal activity.
OTHER FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN E

12. • Stabilize reactions or situations that typically
produce free radicals
• Required for Proper Hair Growth (Beauty Vitamin
along with BIOTIN)
• Preserves & maintains germinal epithelium of
gonads.
• Required for cellular respiration.
• Optimal absorption amino acids.
• Proper storage of creatine in skeletal muscle.

14. Deficiency Manifestations
•Rare in humans.
•Major symptoms-
•Hemolytic anemia – increased red
blood cell fragility.
•Retrolental fibroplasia - premature
babies(LBW).
•Muscular weakness & creatinuria.

15. Hypervitaminosis e
•Severe symptoms not seen in
humans.
•Tendency of hemorrhage.
•Neurological symptoms.
“Vitamin in search of a disease”.

16. THANK YOU