Description
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It has eight different variants, each one has its own biological activity.
Alpha-tocopherol (a-tocopherol) is the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is a powerful antioxidant. It is sold in supplements as alpha-tocopheryl acetate. The synthetic form is labeled "D, L" while the natural form is labeled "D". The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form.
Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism.
Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are common food sources of vitamin E.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
To measure the level of vitamin E in blood in order to check whether the patient has a convenient level of this vitamin or there is a defect in diet or a disease related with absorption of vitamin E.
Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans, except in:
1. persons who cannot absorb dietary fat due to an inability to secrete bile or with rare disorders of fat metabolism: Crohn's Disease and Cystic Fibrosis
2. individuals with rare genetic abnormalities in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein: Ataxia and vitamin E deficiency (AVED)
3. premature, very low birth weight infants: Necrotizing enterocolitits
Reference range values
mg/L (SI: mcmol/L = 2.32 x mg/L)
20-150Y: 5.5-17
1-19Y: Not established
Abnormal findings
Vitamin E deficiency is usually characterized by neurological problems associated with nerve degeneration in hands and feet. It can be due to:
• Problems related with inability to absorb fat: Crohn's Disease and Cystic Fibrosis
• Metabolic inherited problems Ataxia and vitamin E deficiency
Blood levels of vitamin E may also be decreased with zinc deficiency.