How does vitamin E function as an antioxidant?
Vitamin E, which is fat soluble, is present in lipids, most significantly in the lipids of cell membranes and in circulating low-density lipoproteins. Free radicals produced as byproducts of metabolic processes and those originating from environmental pollutants (such as nitrogen dioxide and ozone of polluted air, heavy metals, halogenated hydrocarbons, ionizing radiation and cigarette smoke) are scavenged by available vitamin E. Unchecked by an antioxidant, the highly unstable free radicals attack cell constituents, including DNA and other opportune targets, particularly those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). When free radicals react with PUFAs, chain reactions generate free radicals in profusion. Free radicals can damage both the structure and function of cell membranes; nucleic acids and electron-dense regions of proteins also come under attack. This can result in: • Cell death or alteration of the cell’s response to hormones and neurotransmitters • Mutations that may
Related Questions
- In light of the detrimental effects of oxidants on sperm function, should all infertile men take the antioxidant, vitamin E?
- In light of the detrimental effects of oxidants on sperm function, should all infertile men take the antioxidant, vitamin E?
- Does vitamin E have any function unrelated to its antioxidant activity?
- Does vitamin E have any function unrelated to its antioxidant activity?
- How does vitamin E function as an antioxidant?
- What is the function of vitamin B1 (thiamin)?
