Vitamin E

"Vitamin E" is the collective name for a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant
activities. 
Naturally occurring vitamin E exists in eight chemical forms (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and deltatocopherol
and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol) that have varying levels of biological
activity. Alpha- (or α-) tocopherol is the only form that is recognized to meet human requirements.
Serum concentrations of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) depend on the liver, which takes up the nutrient
after the various forms are absorbed from the small intestine. The liver preferentially resecretes only
alpha-tocopherol via the hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein; the liver metabolizes and excretes
the other vitamin E forms . As a result, blood and cellular concentrations of other forms of vitamin E are
lower than those of alpha-tocopherol and have been the subjects of less research.

Common Uses:

* Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that stops the production of ROS formed when fat
undergoes oxidation. Scientists are investigating whether, by limiting free-radical production and
possibly through other mechanisms, vitamin E might help prevent or delay the chronic diseases
associated with free radicals.
*Vitamin E is involved in immune function and, as shown primarily by in vitro studies of cells,
cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes.
 *Alpha-tocopherol inhibits the activity of protein kinase C, an enzyme involved in cell
proliferation and differentiation in smooth muscle cells, platelets.

*Vitamin E also increases the expression of two enzymes that suppress arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby increasing the release of prostacyclin from the endothelium, which, in turn, dilates blood vessels and inhibits platelet aggregation.

* Used for the treatment or prevention of heart disease, eye disorders, and cognitive decline.