Assessment of

Vitamin E Status

By Gisela Sofia Oclarit & Darlene Shaira B. Juntilla

 ` iochemical test provides the most objective and
B
quantitative data on nutritional status. There are two
types of tests. Static and functional laboratory tests are
primarily used to detect subclinical nutrient deficiency
states. Some static biochemical tests measure levels of
the nutrient in biological fluids and tissues on the
assumption that such tests reflect the total body
nutrient content or the nutrient tissue store most
sensitive to depletion.
 Vitamin E is the collective term given to a group of
fat-soluble compounds first discovered in 1922 by
Evans and Bishop; these compounds have distinct
antioxidant activities essential for health. A class of
tocopherols and tocotrienols collectively known as
vitamin E, α-tocopherol has the highest level of
biological activity (Flohe and Traber, 1999). Alpha-
tocopherol is the only form of the fat-soluble vitamin E
that is used by the human body. As an antioxidant, its
primary function is to absorb loose electrons, or "free
radicals," which can harm cells (Harvard T.H. Chan,
n.d.). Some foods, such as seeds, nuts, some
vegetables, and some fortified goods, naturally contain
it.
 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this report, the
student should be able to:

1. Know the major function of

Vitamin E
2. Identify its biochemical
assessment of Vitamin E in
Static measurement; and
3. Determine the functional
assessment of Vitamin E.
STATIC MEASUREMENT
VITAMIN E (TOCOPHEROL) OR VITAMIN E SERUM TEST
The level of vitamin E in your blood is determined by a vitamin E test. Every cell
in your body contains vitamin E, also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol,
which is a nutrient. It promotes healthy neuron and muscle function, stops blood
clots, and strengthens your immune system so it can fend off bacterial infections.

Typically, a normal level falls between 5.5 and 17 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Children under the age of 17 and premature newborns may have a distinct
normal range. Additionally, normal ranges can vary slightly between labs. Adults
often need supplementation when their blood levels of vitamin E are less than 4
mg/L.
 VITAMIN E OR VITAMIN E SERUM TEST IS FOR:
In preterm newborns, measure the vitamin E levels. Babies that
are delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy frequently do not have
enough. If you have symptoms and have been taking vitamin E
supplements, find out if you are consuming too much vitamin E;
and lastly check your vitamin E absorption levels, especially if you
suffer from a condition that interferes with how your body utilizes
vitamin E.
 PREPARATION FOR THE TEST
Avoid drinking alcohol within 24 hours and fasting for 12
hours is a must.
 ESSENTIAL OF THE TEST
If you have symptoms of either vitamin E excess (high
levels of vitamin E) or deficiency (low levels of vitamin E),
you may require a vitamin E test.
 PROCEDURE FOR THE TEST
A tiny needle will be used by a medical practitioner to draw
blood from a vein in your arm. A small amount of blood will
be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle has been
placed. The needle may sting somewhat when it enters or
exits your body. Usually, this only needs a few minutes.
 RESULTS OF THE TEST
Normal- Age affects normal vitamin E levels. If your test results are typical for your
age, they should indicate so in the results.

Low- Indicates that you are not absorbing or ingesting enough vitamin E. To
determine the cause, your doctor will consult your medical history and the outcomes
of additional testing. Vitamin E deficiency is often treated with vitamin supplements
and the treatment of any disorders that may be preventing absorption.

High- Indicates that you are consuming too much vitamin E. You must cease taking
vitamin E pills if you have been doing so. whether bleeding issues were brought.
 LIMITATIONS
May fail to reflect the overall nutrient status.
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
 Assessing functionality gives important information about
nutritional status and related prognoses in a wide range of
clinical settings. Since the 1980s, a functional status assessment
has been recommended as part of a full nutrition assessment.

Vitamin E plays a crucial role in numerous physiological

processes, including neurological and immune functions.
Vitamin E's most frequent function is its antioxidant effect,
which protects molecules and tissues from the damaging effects
of free radicals. Physiologic process of the body results of
nutritional deficiency.
 ERYTHROCYTE HEMOLYSIS TEST
The ability of hydrogen peroxide to release hemoglobin
from red blood cells serves as the basis for this practical
examination of the rate of hemolysis. Although it is unclear
whether the assay is predictive of alpha-tocopherol body
storage or merely blood stores, hemolysis of above 10% is
related with vitamin E insufficiency.
 BREATHE PENTANE
The breath contains gases called pentane and ethane that are by-products
of the peroxidation of linolenic and linoleic acids. Plasma vitamin-E levels
and breath pentane levels in children have been found to be negatively
correlated. In cases of vitamin C and beta-carotene deficiency, breath
pentane and ethane levels also rise.
 ERYTHROCYTE MALONDIALDEHYDE
Vitamin E is thought to act as an antioxidant, protecting membranes from
lipid peroxidation. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of polyunsaturated
fat peroxidation, was measured in the supernatant after erythrocytes were
incubated in hydrogen peroxide. The two distinct incubation conditions
described here, as well as the following MDA assay, appear to provide a
sensitive functional assessment of vitamin E levels.
 ERYTHROCYTE MALONDIALDEHYDE
The therapeutic efficacy of this assay, which takes just 1.5 to 2.0 ml of
whole blood, was proven by comparing the percentage of total MDA
released from people considered vitamin E sufficient by conventional
methods to vitamin E deficient subjects.
 LIMITATIONS
May be nonspecific; indicates a general nutritional status, but may not
allow some specific nutrients.
 Vitamin E is the collective term given to a series of fat-soluble
compounds first identified in 1922 by Evans and Bishop; these compounds
have distinct antioxidant properties needed for health. Vitamin E is the
main lipid-soluble component in the cell antioxidant defense system and
is entirely derived from the food. It has various critical roles within the
body due of its antioxidant action. Humans rarely lack vitamin E. People
with hereditary or acquired conditions that restrict vitamin absorption
(such as loss of feeling in the arms and legs, loss of body movement
control, muscle weakness, and vision problems) and those who cannot
absorb dietary fat or have unusual fat metabolism diseases are at risk. A
vitamin E blood test analyzes the alpha-tocopherol concentration in the
blood. It can be used to determine if you are getting enough or too much
vitamin E in your diet.