Why is vitamin E deficiency rare in healthy adults?

Vitamin E is widespread in vegetable oils and is stored in body fat. Deficiency is usually seen only in people who cannot absorb fat and in premature babies.

What are the effects of vitamin E deficiency?

Vitamin E deficiency can damage nerves and muscles, causing loss of coordination and muscle weakness. Premature babies with low stores can develop haemolytic anaemia as their red blood cell membranes break down.

What is known about the effects of excess vitamin E?

Excess vitamin E from food is not known to cause harm. Very high doses from supplements may interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.

CCEA A-Level Nutrition and Food Science 3310

Protein

Topic overview Functions of protein Amino acids, biological value and complementation Animal and plant sources of protein Novel protein sources Nitrogen balance and protein requirements

Fat

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Vitamins

Vitamins E and K

3 things to know
AS 1

Overview

Vitamin E as an antioxidant and its sources, vitamin K in blood clotting and bone, phylloquinone and menaquinones, vitamin K for newborns and warfarin.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is the main function of vitamin E?

Key term

Name valuable food sources of vitamin E.

Key term

Why are foods rich in polyunsaturated fats usually good sources of vitamin E as well?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the main function of vitamin E?
Model answer
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from oxidation by free radicals. Vitamin E therefore helps to keep cells, including red blood cells and nerves, healthy.
2
Name valuable food sources of vitamin E.
Model answer
Vegetable oils such as sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil are rich in vitamin E, as is wheatgerm. Nuts, seeds and avocados are also good sources.
3
Why are foods rich in polyunsaturated fats usually good sources of vitamin E as well?
Model answer
Plant oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids naturally contain vitamin E, which protects them from oxidation. The body's need for vitamin E rises with polyunsaturated fat intake, so the two tend to be matched.
4
Why is vitamin E deficiency rare in healthy adults?
Model answer
Vitamin E is widespread in vegetable oils and is stored in body fat. Deficiency is usually seen only in people who cannot absorb fat and in premature babies.
5
What are the effects of vitamin E deficiency?
Model answer
Vitamin E deficiency can damage nerves and muscles, causing loss of coordination and muscle weakness. Premature babies with low stores can develop haemolytic anaemia as their red blood cell membranes break down.
6
What is known about the effects of excess vitamin E?
Model answer
Excess vitamin E from food is not known to cause harm. Very high doses from supplements may interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.

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