VITAMIN DEFICIENCY DISORDERS - University of ….ppt

* * VITAMIN E The term vitamin E describes a family of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherols (a,b, g, d) and 4 tocotrienols. a-tocopherol is the active form of vitamin E in the human body. FUNCTIONS The main function of vitamin E is anti oxidant. It intercepts free radicals prevents destruction of cell membrane. It protects the fat in LDL from oxidation. It inhibits platelets aggregation. It enhances vasodilatation. It inhibits the activity of protein kinase C. Vitamin E Dietary Sources Vegetable oils Almonds peanuts Avocado Spinach Carrots (least) Vitamin E deficiency Severe vitamin E deficiency causes: Neurological symptoms (impaired coordination) muscle weakness. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases Hemolytic anemia in children RISK FACTORS Severe PEM Genetics defects affecting the transfer protein of a-tocopherol Fat malabsorption syndrome THERAPEUTIC USES Prevention of cardiovascular diseases Diabetes Mellitus Cancer prevention Boost immunity Dementia TOXICITY Excess vitamin E may cause: Impaired blood clotting leading to increased risk of bleeding in some persons. It is recommended that vitamin E supplements to be stopped one month before elective surgery. VITAMIN K The K is derived from the German word Koagulation. There are 2 naturally occurring forms of vitamin K. Plants synthesize phylloquinone (vitamin K1) bacteria synthesize menaquinone-3 (vit K2). Menaquinone-4 is produced in animals from vit K1, but its function is yet to be discovered. FUNCTIONS Vitamin K is needed for production of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in the liver. Other functions include: Assist in bone mineralization. The mineral binding capacity of osteocalcin requires vit K. Gas6 is vit K-dependent protein identified in 1993. It is important for neuronal function. SOURCES OF VITAMIN K Bacteria in large intestine produce vit K2 and supply 40-50% of human requirem