Vitamin E is a naturally occurring free radical scavenger and its most widely accepted biological function is its antioxidant property. Vitamin E inhibits the free radical chain peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipids in membranes and lipoprotein.
The polyunsaturated linoleic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids are examples of lipids sensitive to peroxidation. All natural forms and synthetic stereoisomers of vitamin E exhibit to varying degrees the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation as chain-breaking antioxidants.
α-tocopherol |
Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) has the highest biological activity and reverses vitamin E deficiency symptoms in humans. α-tocopherol is a required nutrient for humans because it is needed 20 for prevention of vitamin E deficiency symptoms including neuropathy and hemolytic anemia.
Biological activity of vitamin E