Benefits of Vitamin E

Benefits of Vitamin  E

By Andi Surya Amal

Vitamin E exists in eight different forms ("isomers"): alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherol; and alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form in humans. Dosing and daily allowance recommendations for vitamin E are often provided in Alpha-Tocopherol Equivalents (ATE) to account for the different biological activities of the various forms of vitamin E, or in International Units (IU), which food and supplement labels may use. Vitamin E supplements are available in natural or synthetic forms. The natural forms are usually labeled with the letter "d" (for example, d-gamma-tocopherol), whereas synthetic forms are labeled "dl" (for example, dl-alpha-tocopherol).

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that stops the production of ROS formed when fat undergoes oxidation. Dietary and supplemental vitamin E is absorbed and delivered to the liver, but of the various antioxidants with vitamin E activity, only alpha-tocopherol is preferentially recognized by the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP) and is transferred to plasma, while the other vitamin E forms (e.g., gamma-tocopherol or tocotrienols) are removed from the circulation. Hepatic alpha-TTP is required to maintain plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations. The liver is the master regulator of the body's vitamin E levels in that it not only controls alpha-tocopherol concentrations, but also appears to be the major site of vitamin E metabolism and excretion.

Vitamin Es are metabolized similarly to xenobiotics they are initially omega-oxidized by cytochrome P450s, undergo several rounds of beta-oxidation, and then are conjugated and excreted. As a result of these various mechanisms, liver alpha-tocopherol and other vitamin E concentrations are closely regulated; thus, any potential adverse vitamin E effects are limited. [Traber MG, Annu Rev Nutr. 2007;27:347-62]

Vitamin E is an important component of our antioxidant system. It is considered a master antioxidant because: [Papas AM. The Vitamin E Factor, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY. 1999]

1. Tocopherols and tocotrienols are chain-breaking antioxidants – they break the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation, the process that turns lipid rancid.
2. The structure of vitamin E makes it unique and indispensable in protecting cell membranes. Vitamin E, primarily alpha-tocopherol, anchors itself strategically in the membrane with the hydrophobic (water hating) tail in the interior of the membrane. The hydrophilic (water loving) head is in the hydrophilic area of the membrane.
3. Vitamin E is the master inhibitor of oxidation of the bad cholesterol LDL - which is believed to be the first step in atherosclerosis.  

Vitamin E is more than the master antioxidant, it has additional important functions. For example:

1. Vitamin E inhibits the activity of the enzyme PKC (protein kinase C) which is associated with inflammation.
2. Vitamin E exhibits anticoagulant properties. Oxidized alpha-tocopherol (called alpha-tocopheryl quinone) is also a powerful anticoagulant.
3. Vitamin E compounds reduce the production of inflammatory compounds such as prostaglandins.
4. Tocotrienols and gamma-tocopherol have other unique functions.

The main sources of vitamin E in the diet are vegetable oils (especially safflower oil, sunflower oil, and cottonseed oil), green leafy vegetables, nuts, cereals, meats, egg yolks, wheat germ, and whole wheat products. Vitamin E deficiency is rare and occurs almost exclusively in people with an inherited or acquired condition that impairs their ability to absorb this vitamin.

Table: Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol) [1]

* Adequate Intake (AI)

Table lists the RDAs for alpha-tocopherol in both mg and IU of the natural form; for example, 15 mg x 1.49 IU/mg = 22.4 IU. The corresponding value for synthetic alpha-tocopherol would be 33.3 IU (15 mg x 2.22 IU/mg).

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, visual problems (especially at night), and a poor sense of balance. Over a long period, vitamin E deficiency may progress to blindness, heart disease, and impaired thinking. Supplements are usually only necessary or recommended for people with vitamin E deficiency or a condition that puts them at risk for this deficiency.

Possible Risks of Vitamin E Use include increased bleeding and inhibition of clotting function (if taken in excess of 1,000 mg/day). And, some studies indicate an increase risk of heart problems among people who are taking high doses of vitamin E (more than about 300 mg/day). Vitamin E has no known side effects when taken in moderate doses. It’s rare for anyone to be allergic to Vitamin E. But if you do experience a severe reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing) see a doctor immediately. [2]

Vitamin E, a potent peroxyl radical scavenger, is a chain-breaking antioxidant that prevents the propagation of free radical damage in biological membranes. Scientist consider the evidence for potential sites in cellular metabolism and signal transduction where vitamin E may have a structure-specific role in addition to its antioxidant function.

The roles of tocopherol-binding proteins in cellular trafficking of vitamin E, especially the incorporation of RRR-alpha-tocopherol into nascent lipoproteins, and the delivery of RRR-alpha-tocopherol to the nucleus are considered [3]. 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. [4]

Perhaps not surprisingly, vitamin E which has been touted to be potentially beneficial for a variety of disorders, including cancer, heart disease, and Other health benefits of vitamin E, based on its function as an antioxidant. [5] The most reliable studies on this issue are controlled clinical trials, such as a large 1994 study of antioxidant vitamins and cancer conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Public Health Institute of Finland.

The study was designed to find out whether antioxidant vitamins in higher doses than the RDA (50 milligrams) could reduce the incidence of lung cancer, other types of cancer, and other illnesses among 29,000 male smokers. The study found no beneficial effect of vitamin E supplements on lung cancer incidence. It found lower rates of prostate and colorectal cancer among those who received vitamin E, but higher rates of bladder, stomach, and other types of cancer. On the other hand, neither vitamin E nor β-carotene prevented CVD or cancer, and β-carotene increased lung cancer risk in smokers  [6].

Vitamin E has been linked to the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on the hypothesis that oxidation of LDL initiates the development of atherosclerotic plaque. This hypothesis, although not universally accepted, is supported by studies in vitro, in animals, and in humans. This background in basic science and a number of epidemiological studies, led to the initiation of clinical intervention trials.

G. Oriani et. al. in their study suggest that vitamin E plays an important role in the regulation of serum concentrations of cholesterol and lipoproteins in weanling rabbits. Consequently, the maintenance of an adequate nutritional status of vitamin E in the postweaning period is important to avoid alterations of serum lipid pattern ( J Anim Sci. 1997 Feb;75(2):402-8.)

The following is a very brief overview of the role of vitamin E in wellness and disease prevention, Andreas M. Papas, Ph.D in NutriNews, January/February 2008 to explain other health benefits of vitamin E including Alzheimer’s disease, aging and immunity, cataracts, and skin health.

1. Alzheimer’s disease  : A collaborative study at major medical centers across the United States found that in Alzheimer’s patients taking large doses of vitamin E (2,000 IU/day), progression of the memory-robbing disease was delayed by approximately seven months.
2. Aging and immunity: Studying healthy elderly people, researchers at Tufts University, reported that vitamin E increased the power of disease-fighting T-cells, improved delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response (DTH) by 65 percent and antibody response to hepatitis B six-fold. It also increased significantly the antibody titer to tetanus vaccine. A recent study in Netherlands reported no benefit in acute respiratory tract infections in elderly person from vitamin E supplementation.
3. Cataracts: A Canadian study compared the consumption of vitamin supplements by 175 cataract patients with that of 175 cataract-free controls. People in the control group were taking significantly more supplements of vitamins C and E than the cataract group.
4. Skin health: Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the damage to skin from exposure to UV radiation and ozone.

As note that this essay is only to give information about the benefits of vitamin E. However, I encourage you to talk to your health care providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health.

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Why is breakfast important for students ?

Why is breakfast important for students ?

Why is breakfast the most important meal of the day ?

Breakfast means ‘break the fast’, as the previous meal is typically 8–10 hours before waking up in the morning. Breakfast is important in re-fuelling the body with energy and nutrients, kick-starting the day. If breakfast is skipped, the result can be feeling lethargic and tired and lead to difficulty concentrating and behaviour difficulties in the school environment.

Why is breakfast important for children ?

Breakfast provides children with energy and essential nutrients, including iron, calcium and vitamins B and C, which are necessary for growth, development and good health. Children who eat breakfast each day are much more likely to meet their daily nutritional requirements, as a good quality breakfast can provide a child with up to a third of their daily nutrient needs. Children who don’t eat breakfast may not make up for the nutrients not consumed within the rest of the day’s intake. Eating breakfast can also reduce the risk of overweight and/or obesity, as breakfast is often replaced by mid-morning snacks that tend to be high in fat, sugar and salt. Skipping breakfast can also lead to over eating throughout the rest of the day, increasing the risk of becoming overweight or obese.

How can breakfast affect children while at school ?

Children who have eaten breakfast can concentrate better and have a longer attention span, helping them to learn and study better. They can also perform better physically after eating breakfast as there is more energy available to their muscles. Breakfast can improve behavior and mood, as children have better concentration and aren’t tired or hungry.

Benefits of a breakfast program (for students who have not had breakfast at home)

• Providing essential nutrition for children and adolescents

• Better health and learning outcomes

• Socialisation

• Increase participation and engagement at school

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from www.redcross.org.au

A Note : Indonesian Crude Palm Oil

A Note : Indonesian Crude Palm Oil

By not mean to ignore the environmental NGOs campaigns in which they claimed that the international trade in palm oil is a key driver of rainforest destruction and human rights abuses on a massive scale. However, the development of the palm oil sector in Indonesia is interesting to be observed.

Obviously, the strong growth of the oil palm plantation sector will bring economic benefits to Indonesia. To realize these benefits, significant investments were needed. Developing a new plantation often involves building a CPO mill as well, and it takes a number of years before the plantation starts producing. According to Jan Willem van Gelder (researcher from Netherlands)  : On average, developing a new plantation costs between US$ 2,500 and 3,500 per hectare. A CPO mill with a processing capacity of 30 tons of FFB per hour is estimated to cost US$ 5 million.

I strongly agree that the Indonesian government should give serious attention to this issue. As we know that there are hundreds of oil palm plantation companies active in Indonesia. The larger plantation companies usually operate their own CPO mill, while the smaller plantation companies sell their Fresh Fruit Bunches to CPO mills of neighboring  plantations. While the total number of oil palm plantation companies is very large, a limited number of Indonesian and foreign business groups controls most of them.  What has been stated above are the real challenges for the Indonesian government

For additional information, the unique composition of palm oil  makes it versatile in its application in food manufacturing, chemicals, cosmetics and in pharmaceutical industries. In this thing seems we still need to learn to Malaysia. Currently, research bodies in Malaysia such as Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM) and several Universities in Malaysia are actively modifying palm oil in to better constituents having improved properties and new applications. (By Andi Surya Amal)

Prescription Medications and the Responsibilities of a Patient

Prescription Medications and the Responsibilities of a Patient

by Andi Surya Amal

General practice prescribing is a co-operative exercise between the patient/client, physician and pharmacist. Good communications between all three leads to a successful outcome. This essay will look at some of the suggestions with special emphasis on the responsibilities of patients to their prescription drugs.

It is important to underscore the fact that studies of medication usage in USA performed over the past 15 years have shown that more than 50 % of patients take their prescription drugs incorrectly. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this wasteful and sometimes hazardous practice. However, we are still to need an accurate data about consideration by the patients to their prescription drugs for achieving a successful outcome.Related this issue, see more : [1], [2], [3], [4]

James W. Long had written six points for consideration by the patient in his book : Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs, 1993. I would like to quote several points of them that important followed if you are a patient. The information you need to know for safe and effective drug use. The following suggestions are offered to reduce confusion and misunderstanding and to increase the likelihood that you take the right drug for the right reason at the right time and the right way.

The first suggestion is if you are being treated for a recurrent or chronic disorder  (such as asthma or diabetes), learn as much as you can about the nature and medical management of your condition. Ask your physician and pharmacist for written information they may have available for distribution; visit your local libraries and book stores for pertinent publications; consult local chapters of national  organization that provide educational materials for specific disorders. The more you know about your disorder and its treatment, the more able you will be to use your prescribed medications safely and effectively. 

Secondly, cooperate fully with your physician and pharmacist to ensure that the diagnosis of your disorder is as accurate as possible and that treatment prescribed is the most appropriate for you. It is incumbent upon you to share the responsibility for obtaining safe and effective drug treatment.

Thirdly, do not be unduly influenced by seductive advertising of prescription drug products to the public through television commercials, magazine displays, celebrity endorsements, etc. Ask your physician and pharmacist for unbiased, objective information regarding the drug’s benefits and risks-and its appropriateness for you.

The other important suggestions you require to do for save and effective drug use, and the points will become your responsibilities – to yourself – as a patient, among others :

a.       Know both the generic and brand name of all drugs prescribed for you.

b.      If you are taking more than one drug, be sure that the label of each container includes the name of the drug and the condition it treats.

c.       If you do not clearly understand the directions for using a drug, consult your physician or pharmacist before taking it.

d.      Follow all dosing instructions carefully and completely. Comply fully to obtain the maximal benefit the drug can provide. If you have trouble remembering to take your medications “on time”, ask your pharmacist for a dosing calendar or a weekly medication box.

e.       If you are taking medications prescribed by more than one physician, check the generic names of all prescriptions to ensure that you are not taking duplicate drugs with different brand names. This could cause serious overdosage.

f.       Nonprescription drugs can interact unfavorably with prescription medications. Ask your physician or pharmacist before you begin taking any new over-the-counter preparations.

g.      Be certain all drugs you take are “in date”-have not expired according to the dating on the label.  

Additionally, the criteria for selection of a drug include the following that the drug is used to treat a serious or significant disease or disorder, and it is recognized by experts to be among ‘the best choices’ within its class. The benefits of the drug equal or exceed its risks. Furthermore, the safe and effective use of the drug requires special information and guidance for both the health care practitioner (physician, dentist, pharmacist, nurse) and the health care consumer (patient and family). 

Finally, health authorities need to make it a priority to educate the public on this issue through publicity and educational program. Beside that, the physician and pharmacist thus work together, with the pharmacist sometimes providing a safety net for errors arising out of a physician’s prescription and book stores for pertinent publications haste or inexperience. Naturally if a patient already has a clear idea on the medical condition outcome is much more likely to be assured.

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