Vitamin E, Tocopherol

Vitamin E, Tocopherol

Molecular formula: C29H50O2
Molecular mass: 430.7061
Density: 0.93g/cm3
Melting point: 2.5-3.5℃
Boiling point: 485.9°C at760 mmHg
Flash point: 210.2°C
Solubility: insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, gasoline and vegetable oil
Vapor pressure: 4.59E-10mmHg at 25°C

Vitamin E is found naturally in some foods, added to others, and available as adietary supplement. Serum concentrations of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) depend on the liver,which takes up the nutrient after the various forms are absorbed from the smallintestine.

Signs of vitamin E deficiency include neuromuscular problems such as spinocerebellar ataxia and myopathies. Other neurologicalsigns may include dysarthria,absence of deep tendon reflexes, loss of vibratory sensation and proprioception, and positive Babinski sign. Deficiency canalso cause anemia due to oxidative damage to red blood cells, retinopathy andimpairment of the immune response. There is also some laboratory evidence thatvitamin E deficiency can cause male infertility.

Many claims have been made about vitamin E's potential to promote health andprevent and treat disease. VitaminE plays a significant role as an antioxidant like vitamin C. It protects cellsfrom the damaging effects of free radicals, which are molecules that contain anunshared electron. Free radicals damage cells and might contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseaseand cancer. In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E isinvolved in immune function and, as shown primarily by in vitro studies ofcells, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolicprocesses. Alpha-tocopherol inhibits the activity of protein kinase C, an enzyme involved in cell proliferation and differentiation in smoothmuscle cells, platelets, and monocytes.Vitamin-E–replete endothelial cells lining the interior surface of bloodvessels are better able to resist blood-cell components adhering to thissurface. 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 inhibitsplatelet aggregation. Many women also use it to help minimize the appearance ofwrinkles, and mothers use it to help heal minor wounds without scarring, as itis valued for its ability to soothe and heal broken or stressed skin tissue.