Vitamin E, which is also known as tocopherol, takes part in almost all physical and chemical processes in the human body. This substance neutralizes the effects of free radicals and normalizes protein-fat metabolism. With its participation, tissue restoration and cell renewal occur, hemoglobin levels are maintained and blood clotting is regulated.
Tocopherol plays an important role in the proper functioning of the organs of hearing and vision; strengthens blood vessels, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, improves brain nutrition and cellular respiration. It helps maintain the skin in good condition, strengthens the immune system, and ensures the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Tocopherol deficiency poses certain threats to overall health.
Vitamin E content in foods
Vitamin E is found in the following foods:
- in eggs, liver, beef;
- milk and dairy products;
- vegetable oils;
- sunflower seeds;
- almonds and other nuts;
- peanuts, soybeans, other legumes;
- wheat germ;
- cereals and bran;
- apples, rose hips;
- asparagus and Brussels sprouts;
- green leafy vegetables;
- celery stalks.
Vitamin E intake rates are calculated using the formula:
- children under 1 year - 0.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight;
- adults - 0.3 mg/kg.
Breastfed children receive tocopherol in full through breast milk. It is believed that a healthy person receives the required amount of tocopherol with food and does not need to take it additionally.
A deficiency of this substance in the body manifests itself:
- lethargy, anemia;
- dry skin and brittle nails;
- weakening of visual acuity;
- muscle dystrophy, including the heart and diaphragm, impaired motor skills;
- infertility;
- dysfunction, necrosis and fatty degeneration of the liver;
- softening of parts of the brain, primarily the cerebellum.
Diagnosis of tocopherol deficiency
If obvious signs indicating a lack of vitamin E in the body appear, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis. At the initial appointment, the doctor assesses the condition of the patient’s muscles. He pays attention to their tone and tries to detect signs of progressive dystrophy. Examinations of the digestive organs and thyroid gland are also carried out.
To confirm the problem, prescribe:
- General blood analysis.
- Liver tests.
An x-ray of the diaphragm is required. With a deficiency of vitamin E, necrotic changes occur on the muscle-tendon septum, which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities of the body.
Recommendations for taking vitamin E
The drug is taken after meals. The average daily dose is 400–600 IU per day. Start taking the minimum dosage and gradually increase it. The course of treatment is 1–2 months. For pregnant women at risk of miscarriage, the treatment regimen is selected individually.
Taking vitamin E may cause side effects, including:
- allergic reactions;
- diarrhea;
- pain in the epigastric region;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased blood cholesterol levels;
- reducing the need for insulin in diabetics.
Vitamin E is taken under strict medical supervision:
- with an increased risk of thromboembolism;
- myocardial infarction;
- pronounced cardiosclerosis.
Vitamin C
The most striking example of vitamin deficiency is the diagnosis of scurvy. This "sailor's disease" has in the past been associated with vitamin C deficiency due to poor diet. Today it is quite difficult to reach such a state, but first things first.
Vitamin C is responsible for the body's protective functions. It enhances the immune response in response to a foreign pathogen in the body, participates in the growth and development of tissues, and promotes wound healing.
The richest sources of vitamin C are: greens, rose hips, green vegetables, citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes.
A deficiency of this vitamin is manifested by hair loss, dry and pale skin, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and bleeding gums, increased fatigue, brittle bones, increased susceptibility to viruses and infections and other consequences.
The established myth about the need to take ascorbic acid in almost any quantity can lead to an excess of the vitamin, which is no less dangerous than a deficiency. It is often accompanied by similar symptoms caused by a lack of vitamin, to which are also added acute problems with the gastrointestinal tract and a predisposition to the formation of kidney stones. However, all these signs can appear in a person who has really “too much” of vitamin C from a jar. In general, the body tries to eliminate excess vitamins on its own through feces and urine.
What is vitamin A
Vitamins are regulators of biological processes, without which the biochemistry of the body and the functioning of organs are disrupted. Most of them come from food, and some are synthesized by the body or intestinal flora. Vitamins are divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble. The former do not stay in the body for a long time and are excreted with metabolic products, while the latter accumulate in the liver. We wrote about vitamin D - the only one that affects the body's immune defense. But C turned out to be not as useful as dietary supplement manufacturers write about it.
Vitamin A is fat soluble. A person receives it from food in the form of precursors - retinoids and carotenoids. They are contained in the fatty depot of the liver, and when needed they are converted into retinol and sent to the tissues. Vitamin A regulates embryogenesis, the functioning of reproductive organs, skin glands, inflammation, the creation of new cells and their death. A retinol derivative is one of the components of rhodopsin. This is an eye pigment responsible for color perception.
External retinoids are used in dermatology: they treat acne and are prescribed to prevent age-related skin changes. It has been proven that isotretionine prevents the enzymatic degradation of collagen, the main structural component of the skin. Vitamin A derivatives are added to sunscreens for antioxidant protection.
“Vitamin A is used externally for many dermatoses, especially those associated with impaired keratinization, sebum secretion and healing,” says Nina Sergeeva, a dermatologist at the Fantasy children’s clinic. “It accelerates the restoration of skin integrity, reduces sebum production and regulates keratinization.”
Systemic retinoids are treatments for severe acne, psoriasis, rosacea, precancerous lesions, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. They normalize the formation of cells in the upper layer of the epidermis, reduce sebum secretion and inflammation, providing long-term remission. They are prescribed in cases where external therapy is ineffective or gives temporary results.
Absorption of vitamin E from food
Like vitamin D, tocopherol is best absorbed in the presence of bile acids and fats. If you eat plant foods, for example, a salad of fresh vegetables, do not forget to season it with vegetable oil. Also use spices, they increase the release of pancreatic juice and bile, which improves digestion and absorption of the vitamin.
Vitamin C protects vitamin E from oxidation and potentiates its effects, so along with sources of tocopherol, it is useful to eat foods containing ascorbic acid. Eat more fruits and vegetables, they contain both vitamins.
How to understand that vitamin A is low
Every year, 500 thousand children around the world die from a lack of vitamin A, and 250 thousand go blind due to corneal opacity. Residents of Asia and Africa are mainly affected - this is due to early weaning and lack of vitamin A in the diet. At risk are people who have impaired absorption of zinc and fats, as well as those who abuse alcohol.
Vitamin A deficiency is visible externally. A person’s eyes and mucous membranes “dry,” he has difficulty finding his way in the dark and often gets sick. The skin becomes “toad-like” - strewn with small tubercles due to follicular hyperkeratosis - an accumulation of horny scales at the mouths of the hair follicles. If you do not replenish the vitamin A balance in time, you can go blind: the cornea will “dry out” and become opaque.
“Since vitamin A and carotenoids play a large role in the growth of cells and tissues, insufficient intake of the substances can lead to weakening of the skin,” says GMS Clinic dermatologist Nadezhda Nabatnikova. “Dryness, irritation and acne occur, after which the skin heals worse or slowly, and scars appear.”
What to do
If you are concerned about the quality of your skin, order vitamins early. First you need to go to the doctor and find out what the reason is. Maybe the body does not have enough iron, or the person has hypothyroidism - only an examination will determine this. If the indicators are normal, the doctor will prescribe a test for vitamin levels in the blood. When there are few of them, the diet is first changed. Supplements are prescribed only to those who have digestive problems.
“Most vitamin A comes from foods rich in beta-carotene and provitamin A carotenoids. These are powerful antioxidants. They neutralize the effect of free radicals, which break down collagen and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, explains Nadezhda Nabatnikova. “The substances also reduce skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, providing natural protection against redness and pigmentation caused by the sun.”
The norm for a person from the age of four is 5000 international units of vitamin A. He should receive it from food of animal and plant origin. The best source is cod liver. One teaspoon of its oil contains 150% of the daily requirement. A lot also contains beef liver, salmon fillet and tuna. The plant richest in vitamin A is sweet potato, one hundred grams of which covers the daily requirement. Kale, winter squash and turnips contain it in abundance, with carrots only coming in sixth. Important: heat-treated root vegetables are taken into account, not raw ones.
Some people, tired of acne, buy systemic retinoids and take dosages from the Internet. This is dangerous - if the dosage is exceeded, these drugs cause fetal malformations - auricular atresia, underdevelopment of the limbs, atrial septal defect and displacement of large vessels. Therefore, a dermatologist prescribes systemic retinoids after a pregnancy test and the patient’s commitment to use double contraception - hormonal pills plus a condom.
“When using systemic retinoids and other vitamin A preparations, a teratogenic effect on the fetus is possible. Therefore, even before taking dietary supplements, and even more so medications, it is worth consulting with your doctor,” says Nina Alexandrova. “The unfavorable effect of high doses of vitamin A persists even after stopping its use, depending on the drug - from 1 month to 2 years.”
Medical Internet conferences
There are many different biologically active substances in the human body; vitamins are one of these groups. They participate in biochemical processes in cells, tissues and organs, affect the physical and formative functions of the body, and regulate immunity. In this work, I would like to pay special attention to such vitamins as E and K; in this regard, the purpose of our article is to study the properties of these vitamins and their use in clinical practice.
The first information about vitamin E (tocopherol) appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to the scientists of the Shute brothers, who conducted a series of experiments on white rats. As a result of this experiment, they obtained data that rats raised only on whole milk did not lag behind in development, but their reproductive function suffered. Researchers have proven that the missing factor is found in green leaves and wheat germ. Later, in 1922, fat-soluble vitamin E was discovered by American scientists, anatomist Herbert Evans and Scott Bishop.
In nature, tocopherol exists in eight different forms (isomers), which differ in biological activity and functions in the body. A person can get vitamin E by eating foods such as milk, eggs, greens, butter and vegetable oil, sea buckthorn, spinach, broccoli, liver and meat, bran and whole grains. The daily dose varies depending on age and gender, so infants up to 6 months are recommended up to 3 mg per day, from 7 to 12 months - 4 mg, children from 1 to 3 years - 6 mg, from 4-10 years - 7 mg, men 11 years and older – 10 mg, women 11 years and older – 8 mg. Also, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, women need an increased dose of vitamin E - 10-12 mg.
Tocopherol has many positive properties. Its antioxidant effect plays an important role. Vitamin E is capable of destroying free radicals, which have an adverse effect on the cells of the human body, which can threaten the development of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system and malignant neoplasms. Based on this, we can conclude that the optimal daily dose of tocopherol serves as prevention in the development of these pathological conditions.
Vitamin E is also necessary during pregnancy, as it improves muscle tone, prevents cramps, and prevents the appearance of stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen. Participates in the synthesis of the hormones of the reproductive system, progesterone and estrogens, necessary for the proper maturation and fertilization of the egg, consolidation of the embryo, and formation of the placenta. Tocopherol is important in the early stages of pregnancy, preventing miscarriage and reducing the risk of thrombosis. Vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the formation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the fetus and regulates the process of lactation in a woman’s body after the birth of a child. It is worth noting that tocopherol slows down the aging process and improves cell nutrition, strengthens the immune system in the fight against viral and bacterial infections, improves blood circulation and the regenerative properties of the body.
Signs of deficiency or excess of vitamin E in the human body have not been experimentally recorded. There are only some results from experiments with animals. It has been established that tocopherol deficiency in females leads to spontaneous abortion, in males the testes are affected, cases of myocardial dystrophy, skeletal muscles and changes in the central nervous system and thyroid function have also been identified.
In medical practice, tocopherol (a solution of tocopherol acetate in oil, vitamin E concentrate) is indicated for conditions such as spontaneous abortion, menopause, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral vascular damage. It is worth noting that it is preferable to use vitamin E as a combination therapy, most often in combination with hormonal drugs, sometimes along with magnesia and drugs that increase appetite.
The history of vitamin K begins in 1929. A Danish research scientist conducted a series of experiments regarding the effects of low cholesterol in chickens. Birds in the study developed hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissue, muscles and other tissues. Feeding them with purified cholesterol did not eliminate the pathological manifestations. It was discovered that plant products containing substances that promote blood clotting have a healing effect. These substances were called vitamin K, since the first information was described in a German journal, where they were designated “coagulation vitamins.” In 1939, Karrer isolated vitamin K 1 from alfalfa, calling it phylloquinone, and the Americans Binkley and Doisy obtained a substance that also promotes blood clotting from rotting fishmeal. This factor was called vitamin K 2 (menaquinone).
Vitamin K is a yellowish liquid and belongs to the group of hydrophobic vitamins. It combines a number of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives. Currently, there are three types of naphthoquinone: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), K2 (menaquinone) and K3 (menadione). Vitamin K1 enters the body from the outside and is found in plant foods. Vitamin K2 is synthesized in the intestines of the macroorganism due to the activity of bacteria. Vitamin K3 is synthesized artificially. Naphthoquinone plays an important role in the human body, ensures the formation of blood clotting factors, protein C and protein S, and is involved in the synthesis of osteocalcin, necessary for bone tissue. Adults need 120 mcg/day of this substance. Vitamin K is found in many plant foods (spinach, cereals, avocados, bananas, green tomatoes, all types of cabbage, rose hips. It is also found in soybean and olive oil, walnuts, milk, fish oil, eggs and pork liver).
With vitamin K deficiency, hemorrhagic syndrome develops. Bleeding gums, various hemorrhages, bleeding are noted. The reasons for a lack of vitamin K can be, for example, liver disease, the use of anticoagulants, and irrational use of antibiotics that have a detrimental effect on the intestinal flora.
An excess of vitamin K practically never occurs, because even in large doses it is not toxic (it can increase blood clotting).
The use of vitamin K group drugs plays an important role in clinical practice. Bleeding and hemorrhagic syndrome are the main indications for prescribing this substance, also indications include hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. One cannot do without its use during preparation for operations and in the postoperative period.
Vitamins are vital organic components that are needed by humans in minute quantities, but are important for growth, development and normal functioning. These substances are also used in clinical practice, since any disease is a test for the body that requires the mobilization of defenses, increased consumption of biologically active substances, including vitamins, which clinicians successfully use both as a preventive measure and for the treatment of certain diseases, for example, vitamin E for spontaneous abortions, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin K for hemorrhagic syndrome.
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is represented by a group of structurally similar chemical substances - tocopherols and tocotrienols. Dissolves in fats. It has extremely strong antioxidant properties, which provide its positive effect on the body.
Tocopherol fights the process of lipid peroxidation, prevents the formation of free radicals and their destruction of cell membranes.
Vitamin E and its beneficial properties were discovered more than 90 years ago. Since then, the favorable attitude of doctors towards tocopherol has only intensified, because its valuable effects are truly significant and noticeable.
