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Vitamin E: Interactions with Free Radicals and Ascorbate

1985; Annual Reviews; Volume: 5; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1146/annurev.nu.05.070185.001543

1545-4312

Paul B. McCay,

Vitamin K Research Studies

The association of the tocopherols with lipid peroxidation in biological systems began in the early days of investigations on the chemical nature of these substances (25). Since then a great deal of work has attempted to relate the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency with peroxidative degradation of lipids, primarily those associated with membranous organelles. The signs of vitamin E deficiency in various species of animals are diverse, involving different tissues with different manifestations and different degrees of severity. Thus, it seems clear that the biological function of this vitamin is not specific in the sense of its being a cofactor for an enzymic reaction (as is the case for the B-complex vitamins). Given the appropriate species and certain dietary and environmental conditions, essentially any tissue can be made to develop characteristic signs as a result of a deficiency of this vitamin. In some human disease states, supple­ mentation of vitamin E at levels far exceeding those normally required amelio­ rates or improves the condition. Because of this multiplicity of effects, a common denominator that might explain the effects of a deficiency or excess of this vitamin is not obvious. A common denominator to consider, however, is