Vitamin E (synonym: tocopherol) is a vital dietary component.Several forms of vitamin E can be distinguished, especially α-tocopherol.
Vitamin E cannot be produced by the body itself, which is why a deficiency can lead to hypo-/avitaminosis.It is absorbed in the small intestine and transported in the blood both on proteins (egg white) and erythrocytes (red blood cells).It can be stored in fatty tissue as well as in the adrenal gland.Vitamin E is fat-soluble and thermostable, but sensitive to UV light as well as oxygen.
Vitamin E is found mainly in vegetable oils, eggs, corn, soy and wheat.
Vitamin E is a component of cell membranes and protects them from degradation by lipid oxidation.As an antioxidant, it protects the cell membrane from attack by free radicals. It is of great importance for the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, as well as the male gonads.
The process
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Standard values
| Standard value in mg/l | |
| Premature | 1,3-4,9 |
| Infants | 3-9 |
| 13-19 years of age | 6-10 |
| Adults | 6-18 |
Indications
- Suspected vitamin E deficiency
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Pregnancy
Interpretation of lowered values
- Alimentary (nutritional)
- Malnutrition/deficiency
- Long-term unbalanced dietary habits, for example, increased consumption of fish high in unsaturated fatty acids.
- Tobacco consumption
- Malabsorption (disorder of absorption)
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease.
- Absorption disorders as they occur in celiac disease (gluten-induced enteropathy), short bowel syndrome (malabsorption after extensive small bowel resection – partial removal of the small bowel), cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, cholestasis
- Infection with lamblia (small intestinal parasites).
- Diseases
- Abetalipoproteinemia – disease caused by a fat absorption disorder.
- Familial isolated vitamin E deficiency (FIVE) – genetic disorder leading to vitamin E deficiency.
- Preterm birth
- Liver cirrhosis – connective tissue remodeling of the liver leading to functional impairment.
- Spherocytosis (spherocytosis).
- Thalassemia – genetic form of anemia (anemia) caused by a disorder in the synthesis of hemoglobin (blood pigment).
- Increased need
- Pregnancy
- Stress
Further notes
- The normal requirement of vitamin E is 12 mg/d for women and 14 mg/d for men.
Attention!Note on the state of supply (National Nutrition Survey II 2008)48% of men and 49% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake.
